Inspiration/Guides/The secret to Swedish master baker Lilian Sagerfors’ success and her award-winning cinnamon bun recipe

Keep it simple: Swedish baker Lilian Sagerfors’ secret to award-winning cinnamon buns

“Keep it simple!”—that’s the motto of Lilian Sagerfors, the 31-year-old Swedish baker. It’s exactly this straightforward approach that has made her one of Sweden’s top artisans in the baking world. With a clear philosophy and a passion for her craft, Lilian has built an inspiring success story. We had the chance to visit her charming bakery on the east coast of Southern Sweden to not only learn about her journey but also taste test her award-winning cinnamon buns.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

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Lilian also offers artistic sponge cakes, which she bakes in Nordwik's creative moulds and allows to cool on a wire rack before dusting them with icing sugar.

NordwikNordwik cooling rack 47x35 cm

$37.39

A bakery with heart: Ekenäs Hantverksbageri

On a sunny September morning, we were warmly welcomed at Lilian’s cosy bakery in the idyllic village of Ekenäs, located near Kalmar on Sweden’s east coast. As we step inside, the delicious smell of freshly baked bread and cakes filled the air. Lilian, who originally trained as a chef, quickly discovered her love for baking. “Bread is the first thing people experience in a meal, but it often gets overlooked,” she says, explaining why she decided to take bread into her own hands. From there, her passion took over, and it didn’t take long for her to find success.

Here you can see a rack of baking trays with a selection of Lilian's baked goods, ranging from different types of bread and cakes to her famous Swedish cinnamon buns.

Lily cake pan nonstick

Gold

$62.39

Daisy cake mold nonstick

Gold

$62.39

Here, Lilian is taking a ready-made brioche loaf out of the oven in a Nordwik loaf tin.

From hobby to full-time career

What once started as a simple hobby soon blossomed into a thriving full-time business. Lilian opened her bakery in 2018, using only local and organic ingredients. Word about her dedication quickly spread, and now customers from near and far flock to her bakery to experience her renowned goods. But patience is required—waiting in line for 30 minutes or more for a taste of her award-winning sourdough bread or cinnamon buns is not unusual.

To give the brioche bread the right finish, Lilian brushes it with egg yolk before baking.

NordwikNordwik bread pan ceramic non-stick silver

$27.39

For the perfect finish, Lilian dusts her chocolate cake with icing sugar after it has cooled on a Nordwik rack.

Nordwik handle stainless steel

10 cm

$12.39

To prevent the cake from sticking to Nordwik's baking tin during the baking process, Lilian brushes it with butter using a brush.

Nordwik baking brush 22.5 cm beech

Cream

$16.15

Nordwik springform ceramic non-stick silver

26 cm

$43.65

Nordwik springform ceramic non-stick silver

24 cm

$41.15

Less is more: Lilian’s baking philosophy

Lilian’s philosophy of “less is more” is evident in every product she creates. For her, it all comes down to high-quality ingredients like Swedish organic flour and an artisanal approach to baking. Her personal favourite? Her sourdough bread, which she enjoys plain or with just a touch of butter. “That’s all you need,” she smiles, reinforcing her belief that good ingredients lead to great results.

The award winning cinnamon buns

Though all of Lilian’s products are well-loved, it’s her cinnamon buns that have garnered the most attention. In 2023, they earned a prestigious gold medal at the Swedish Artisan Baking Championships. These buns aren’t just a culinary delight; they’re a visual treat as well. Watching Lilian expertly roll out the dough, spread the butter-sugar filling, and skillfully shape the signature knots is like watching a master at work. Ten minutes in the oven, and the bakery is filled with their irresistible scent.

Click here for the recipe: Swedish cinnamon buns

After Lilian has rolled out her dough and spread it with the butter and sugar mixture, she folds it several times to mix everything together.

Nordwik rolling pin 44 cm

Beech

$29.89

Nordwik oven dish with handles

38 cm

$56.15

Lilian places the still raw, artfully intertwined cinnamon buns on a baking tray from Nordwik, which she then puts in the oven.

Nordic Ware naturals baking sheet with grill

32.7x45.4 cm

$48

Here you can see Swedish chef and baker Lilian Sagerfors presenting a finished Swedish cinnamon bun on a plate.

A recipe that inspires

Over the years, Lilian has perfected her cinnamon bun recipe, drawing inspiration from other bakers’ techniques to create her own version. Despite her success, she remains as passionate about baking as ever, constantly experimenting with new ideas to keep her offerings fresh and exciting. Even during our visit, she’s busy receiving a delivery of flour, which will last her about two weeks. “It’s always exciting,” she says with a laugh.

Here you can see a sliced golden-brown brioche bread on a wooden board from Nordwik.

NordwikNordwik cutting board beech

$19.89

Lilian offers a pretty fabric bag for her Ekenäs Hantverksbageri, on which her bakery and the front garden area with guests have been artistically depicted.

An experience to remember

As we left Lilian’s bakery, she generously handed us a few cinnamon buns to take home—a reminder of our time spent in one of Sweden’s most charming bakeries. And one thing is for sure: this won’t be our last visit. If you ever find yourself near Ekenäs, don’t miss the chance to experience Lilian Sagerfors’ simple yet masterful approach to baking. It’s a trip—and a taste—well worth it.

Photos: Elof Martinsson

Anja Wahnig

Author

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