What is Risalamande and why it's served on Christmas Eve in Denmark
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If you’ve ever wondered what the Danish serve after Christmas dinner, you’re in for a treat.
Risalamande (pronounced ree-suh-lah-MAHN-eh) is a creamy, comforting dessert made of rice, vanilla, and whipped cream—served cold with warm cherry sauce. But what truly makes it special is the hidden almond tucked inside the bowl.
Whoever finds the almond wins a prize, and the tradition turns this simple dessert into one of the most anticipated moments of Christmas Eve in Denmark.
In this video, I explore the origins of Risalamande, how it became a national holiday staple, and why this sweet little ritual still brings families together today.
We’ll look at:
• how Risalamande differs from old-fashioned rice porridge
• why the hidden almond became part of the celebration
• its rise in popularity in the late 19th century
• the meaning behind the cherry sauce and almonds
• how this cozy dessert spread throughout Scandinavian holiday tables
For this video I used the recipe from The Daring Gourmet, you can follow along here to make it.
Press play below to learn the history, the tradition, and the charm behind Denmark’s beloved Christmas dessert.
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