In the world of Skyrim, there’s one pastry that reigns supreme: the legendary Sweet Roll. Whether it’s being stolen, given to guards as bribes, or the subject of teasing (“Let me guess, someone stole your sweet roll?”), This pleasant treat has earned its place as one of the most iconic foods in gaming. But what makes the Sweet Roll so memorable? It’s a simple yet rich pastry, resembling a mix between a bundt cake and a frosted cinnamon roll, offering a rich, buttery flavor with just the right amount of sweetness.
Now, you don’t have to venture through dungeons or slay dragons to enjoy this Elder Scrolls treat. Let’s bring a piece of Tamriel into our own kitchens with a recipe that captures the magic of the Sweet Roll while keeping it easy to prepare for adventurers of all skill levels.
A Legendary Treat Worth the Hype
Despite its humble appearance, the Sweet Roll is more than just another dessert. It’s a mark of nostalgia for Skyrim players. It evokes memories of endless quests, wandering through snowy landscapes, and encountering quirky NPCs who always seem to have a comment about this pastry.
Flavor-wise, the Sweet Roll is a cross between a moist vanilla cake and a buttery pound cake, drizzled with a thick, creamy glaze that melts into every bite. The texture is soft, with a slight golden crust on the outside, making it a satisfying treat with a cup of mead or, for those of us in the real world, coffee or tea.
How This Recipe Stands Apart
While some recipes treat the Sweet Roll as a simple frosted cupcake, this version stays more faithful to its in-game counterpart. Instead of a light and airy cake, this recipe leans toward a denser, more satisfying bite. Something that could easily be found in a medieval bakery. The key differences that make this stand out:
- Buttery and moist texture – Unlike basic cupcakes, this roll has a richer, slightly denser feel, similar to an old-fashioned pound cake.
- Hint of warmth – With subtle cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, this isn’t just a vanilla cake with frosting—it has a cozy, comforting taste that fits the Skyrim aesthetic.
- Classic glaze – A thick vanilla icing drizzled over the top replicates the in-game look while enhancing every bite.
How to Make a Skyrim Sweet Roll
Ingredients
For the Sweet Roll:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Where to Find Them:
Unsalted Butter:
- Walmart: They have a variety of unsalted butter options, including store brands and popular brands like Land O’Lakes.
- Target: They carry unsalted butter from brands like Kerrygold and Land O’Lakes.
Sour Cream:
- Walmart: They offer sour cream from various brands, including Daisy and Great Value.
- Target: They carry sour cream from brands like Daisy and Market Pantry.
Heavy Cream:
- Walmart: They offer heavy cream from various brands, including Land O’Lakes and Great Value.
- Target: They carry heavy cream from brands like Horizon Organic and Good & Gather.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sweet Rolls
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a mini bundt cake pan or muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the batter into the mini bundt cake molds, filling them about ¾ full.
2. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the sweet rolls cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar for thickness or more cream for a thinner drizzle.
- Once the sweet rolls have cooled, drizzle the icing over the tops, letting it run down the sides for that classic Skyrim look.
Serving Like a True Dovahkiin
For the most authentic Skyrim experience, serve these Sweet Rolls on a rustic wooden plate, preferably near a roaring fire after a long day of adventuring. Pair with a warm drink, be it coffee, tea, or if you want to get really immersive, a honey-sweetened mead.
And there are many ways to further enhance and shake up the Sweet Rolls. The beauty of a dish is that it cannot remain static. A chef can be consistent in their skill but needs to be inconsistent with their flavours and challenge the norm! Want to take it up a notch? Try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for a more medieval feel, or sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top of the glaze for extra warmth.
A Worthy Tribute to Tamriel
Whether you’re a long-time Elder Scrolls fan or just someone who enjoys a good homemade pastry, the Skyrim Sweet Roll is a must-try. Its buttery, spiced flavor and rich glaze make it a comforting, nostalgic treat that feels right at home in any fantasy setting. And while no bandits will be around to steal it from your inventory, you may have to fight off friends and family who want a taste.
It’s a wonderfully simple recipe which will leave everyone so distracted they won’t notice you pick pocketing their potions! So, grab your whisk, channel your inner Dovahkiin, and bake yourself a legendary Sweet Roll. Just be ready for all the guard jokes that come with it.