I am obsessed with these 15 authentic Swedish desserts. They offer comfort and decadence in every bite. You can skip the flight to Scandinavia.
This list brings iconic sweet treats right to your kitchen. Get ready for cakes and cookies that everyone will adore.
1. Swedish Waffles
You might think Belgium holds the waffle crown. Sweden challenges that title with this popular breakfast staple. Locals call them vaffeldagen.
These treats are thinner than typical waffles. They feature a crispier texture too. The heart shape will make you fall in love instantly.
2. Swedish Christmas Toffee
Locals know this treat as Knack. It features a wonderful mix of caramelized sugar and butter. The result is sweet and crunchy. You can serve it plain or load it up with nuts.
The name translates to break or crack. That refers to the lovely brittle texture. It is perfect for Christmas.
3. Swedish Apple Cake
You do not have to choose between pie and cake. Appelkaka solves that dilemma. This Swedish apple cake is downright delicious. The tender crumb holds plenty of moisture.
Crisp apples add a tart kick. Serve it with sweet vanilla sauce for an irresistible treat.
4. Semlor Buns
These incredibly soft buns feature a cardamom flavor. They smell absolutely amazing. The filling is no ordinary cream. It combines whipped cream with almond paste.
That mixture joins marzipan inside the bun. You typically see them on Mardi Gras. Feel free to enjoy them anytime though.
5. Swedish Cheesecake
Ostkaka is the local name for this rich dessert. It is insanely creamy and delicious. The batter uses cottage cheese and flour along with eggs and sugar.
Cream and almonds round out the ingredient list. The final texture resembles a custard. Serve it at room temperature with jam or berry syrup.
6. Swedish Ginger Cookies
Pepparkakor is a wonderfully spiced cookie. It resembles a gingersnap without the icing. The flavor balance is perfect. Tradition says these treats grant wishes.
Place a cookie in your palm and make a wish. Tap it with your finger until it snaps.
7. Princess Cake
You will often see this cake at birthday parties. It features layers of sponge cake and fruit filling. Cream and a marzipan coating finish the dessert.
People originally called it gron tarta or green cake. That name came from the green marzipan frosting. The moniker changed after a specific cookbook publication.
8. Swedish Butter Cookies
These cookies are incredibly buttery. They truly melt in your mouth. Crisp edges provide a wonderful textural contrast to the soft center.
Do not let the simple flavor profile fool you. I find them insanely addictive.
9. Kanelbulle (Cinnamon Buns)
Cinnamon buns actually originated in Sweden. The local version is known as kanelbulle. These buns are super soft. A sticky cinnamon sugar filling loads every bite.
You really cannot go wrong with this treat. They are arguably the tastiest dessert in the country.
10. Swedish Almond & Cardamom Mini-Cakes
These cakes might be small in size. They pack a massive punch of flavor though. Almonds and cardamom create a drool-worthy combination. It is impossible to stop at just one.
11. Sticky Chocolate Cake
Kladdkaka is the Swedish take on chocolate cake. The exterior is crunchy while the inside stays ultra-moist. It is denser than a typical cake.
I think it tastes heavenly. Top it with powdered sugar or whipped cream. Pair a slice with hot coffee for a satisfying fika.
12. Swedish Apple Pie
This recipe is unique because it is crust-free. It remains just as tasty as the classic version. A thick cinnamon-infused filling provides the base.
It is wonderfully sweet and perfectly spiced. The filling actually forms a flaky crust on top during the baking process.
13. Swedish Pancakes
Locals eat pancakes for dessert as well as breakfast. Some people even enjoy them for lunch or dinner. Vafflor are perfectly sweet. The texture is buttery and delicious.
They taste amazing with a dollop of jam and whipped cream. I would gladly eat these every single day.
14. Saffron Buns
Saffron flavors this insanely delicious bun. Locals call them Lussebullar. They are a traditional treat during Christmas and Advent.
The dough is incredibly soft and sweet. Some versions include raisins for texture. Others feature almond paste and pearl sugar.
15. Swedish Almond Cake
This cake is wonderfully dense. An almond topping garnishes the loaf. It is the perfect flavorful companion for your coffee.
Lemon zest adds a bright note to the batter. You are missing out if you have never tried that combination.
