National Dish Norway: Multekrem (Recipe)
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Few desserts capture the Nordic landscape as neatly as Multekrem. Golden cloudberries, gathered from Norway’s marshes in the short northern summer, are folded through softly whipped cream and a little sugar — and that is very nearly all there is to it. The result is fresh, faintly tart and wonderfully creamy, a pudding that tastes of open country and long light evenings. It takes ten minutes to make and never fails to impress.
About Multekrem
Multekrem, the traditional Norwegian dessert, is a genuine treat for the senses. It is built almost entirely around cloudberries — the amber-coloured multer that grow wild across Norway’s bogs and uplands. The sweet-sharp berries are folded into whipped cream with a touch of sugar, giving a pudding that is creamy and fruity in equal measure. Multekrem is not only a much-loved dessert in Norway; it also reflects the distinctive Nordic food culture, with its close ties to nature and the turning of the seasons.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g cloudberries (fresh or frozen)
- 200 ml double cream, for whipping
- 2–3 tablespoons sugar (to taste)
- A pinch of vanilla sugar (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for multekrem, it pays to choose good-quality cloudberries. Most supermarkets stock them frozen, though fresh berries in season are always the better choice. Double cream comes in various fat contents, and a higher fat content gives a richer, more stable result. Sugar and vanilla sugar are easy to come by, but alternative sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup work too and lend the dessert a different character altogether.
Preparing the dish
Before you start making multekrem, it is worth getting everything ready. Make sure the cloudberries are fully thawed if you are using frozen ones. The cream should be properly cold, as chilled cream whips far better. You can also adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet the berries themselves are. These small steps make sure the finished dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and fruitiness.
Step-by-step instructions
- If necessary, drain the cloudberries in a fine sieve, then crush them gently to release their juice.
- In a separate bowl, whip the cold cream to soft peaks with an electric hand whisk.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and vanilla sugar a little at a time, whisking until evenly combined.
- Carefully fold the crushed cloudberries through the whipped cream until well mixed.
- Spoon the multekrem into bowls and garnish with a few extra berries or a swirl of cream.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Multekrem is naturally gluten-free, which makes it an excellent pudding for anyone with a gluten intolerance. To make it lactose-free, simply use lactose-free cream, now widely available in supermarkets and every bit as creamy as the standard version. That way anyone sensitive to lactose can enjoy this Norwegian dessert without a second thought — much like the equally simple Tilslorte Bonder.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of multekrem, swap the dairy cream for a plant-based alternative made from coconut or soya. These behave slightly differently in flavour and texture, but they still whip up beautifully. Do taste as you go when adding sugar, since some plant creams are already sweetened. With that one substitution, vegans can enjoy this traditional Norwegian dessert just as everyone else does.
More tips and tricks
The single most important tip is not to over-whip the cream — take it too far and it splits or turns to butter. It is also best to fold in the cloudberries shortly before serving, so they keep their natural freshness. Stir them through too early and the mixture can turn cloudy and lose its bright colour. These small tricks make sure your dessert always looks as appetising as it tastes.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The multekrem recipe adapts happily to personal preference. Experiment with different sweeteners such as honey or agave syrup for a subtly different flavour. You can also add warming notes like cinnamon or ginger to give the dessert an intriguing edge. Adjustments like these let you make the pudding your own and rediscover it afresh each time you serve it.
Ingredient substitutions
If cloudberries are hard to find, the recipe works well with other berries such as raspberries or blackberries. The flavour changes, of course, but the creamy texture remains exactly the same. You can also boost the sweetness with fresh fruit lightly steeped in syrup, or reach for a spoonful of Multebaersyltetoy when fresh berries are out of season. With substitutions like these you can adapt multekrem without giving up any of the pleasure.
Drink pairing ideas
To accompany multekrem, consider a sparkling prosecco or a light, fruity white wine. Both sit well with the sweetness of the dessert and bring out the fruity notes of the cloudberries. For something alcohol-free, a fruity sparkling water or a berry lemonade gently complements the flavours; in winter a small glass of Glogg makes a warming alternative. Choosing the right drink can lift the whole experience.
Serving and presentation ideas
There is plenty of room to be creative with multekrem. Serve it in pretty glasses that show off the glowing colour of the cloudberries. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of grated chocolate make a fine garnish. Details like these not only make the dessert look inviting but also give your guests something to admire before the first spoonful. As the saying goes, we eat with our eyes first.
A bit of history
Multekrem has its roots in traditional Norwegian cooking, where cloudberries have long been a prized harvest in late summer and early autumn. The dessert began as a way of preserving the sweet berries and enjoying their flavour through the cold months. It has evolved over the years but remains closely bound up with Norwegian identity and culture, sitting alongside classics such as Kransekake in the wider story of Norwegian cuisine. It is a culinary heritage that links generation to generation.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Multekrem
Multekrem is a simple but delicious Norwegian dessert that bottles the flavours of the landscape. With cloudberries, whipped cream and a hint of sugar, it is easy to make and endlessly adaptable to your own taste. Whether you serve it for a special occasion or simply as a sweet treat at home, multekrem brings the flavour of Norway straight to your table. Let this recipe inspire you and enjoy a small piece of Norwegian tradition.
