📝 About This Recipe
Experience the soul of a Swedish 'fika' with these exceptionally crisp, lacy waffles, known as 'Frasvåfflor.' These waffles are uniquely light because they omit eggs in favor of sparkling water and whipped cream, creating a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft center. Topped with 'Hjortronsylt'—the rare, amber-colored 'Gold of the North' cloudberries—this dish offers a sophisticated balance of tart, honey-like sweetness and rich creaminess.
🥗 Ingredients
The Waffle Batter
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1 1/2 cups Cold sparkling water (carbonation helps create air pockets)
- 1 1/4 cups Heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 7 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla sugar (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
The Toppings
- 1 jar Cloudberry jam (Hjortronsylt) (approximately 10-12 oz)
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream (for dolloping)
- 1 tablespoon Powdered sugar (to sweeten the cream)
- 4-6 sprigs Fresh mint (for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, set it aside to cool to room temperature; it should be liquid but not hot when added to the batter.
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2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla sugar until thoroughly combined.
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3
Slowly pour the ice-cold sparkling water into the dry ingredients. Whisk constantly but gently until you have a thick, smooth paste without lumps.
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4
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the 1 1/4 cups of heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. Be careful not to over-whip into butter.
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5
Gently fold the whipped cream into the flour and water mixture using a rubber spatula. This incorporation of air is the secret to the 'fras' (crispiness).
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6
Slowly drizzle in the cooled melted butter while folding continuously until the batter is uniform and airy.
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7
Preheat your heart-shaped waffle iron (våffeljärn). If it is non-stick, you may not need grease, but a light brushing of melted butter is recommended for the first waffle.
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8
Pour approximately 1/2 cup of batter into the center of the iron. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is deep golden brown and releases steam.
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9
While the waffles cook, whip the remaining cup of heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft, billowy peaks form.
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10
Remove the finished waffle and place it on a wire cooling rack for 30 seconds. This allows the steam to escape, ensuring the waffle stays crisp rather than becoming soggy on a plate.
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11
Repeat the process with the remaining batter. Avoid stacking the waffles, as the heat and moisture will soften the delicate crust.
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12
Place a warm waffle on a serving plate. Add a generous dollop of the whipped cream in the center or on each 'heart' segment.
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13
Spoon a liberal amount of cloudberry jam over the cream. The warmth of the waffle will slightly soften the jam, releasing its unique aroma.
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14
Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately while the temperature contrast between the hot waffle and cold cream is at its peak.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the crispest results, always use ice-cold sparkling water; the bubbles and the cold temperature react with the heat to create a shatteringly light crust. Never stack your waffles after cooking; the steam trapped between them will turn them soft and rubbery within seconds. If you cannot find cloudberry jam, lingonberry jam or fresh raspberries with a squeeze of lemon are the best authentic Scandinavian substitutes. If your batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon more of sparkling water, but do not over-mix or you will lose the air bubbles. To keep waffles warm for a group, place them in a single layer on a rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven with the door slightly ajar.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a strong cup of Swedish dark roast coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic afternoon fika. For a luxury dessert, serve with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream instead of whipped cream. Add a tiny pinch of ground cardamom to the waffle batter for a more aromatic, traditional Nordic flavor profile. A small glass of chilled Sauternes or a sweet dessert wine complements the tartness of the cloudberries beautifully. Serve alongside a small bowl of extra cloudberries for guests who prefer a higher fruit-to-cream ratio.