15 Traditional Swedish Desserts

These authentic Swedish desserts are decadent, comforting, and easy to make!

From cakes to cookies, these sweet treats make a unique end to any meal.

A trip to Sweden is not complete without trying their sinful confections.

But there’s no need to travel to Scandinavia to have a bite of some of the region’s most iconic desserts.

Just check out this list of fantastic Swedish desserts and try out the simple recipes!  

If you’re looking for new and exciting desserts to make for your family, today’s your lucky day.

There are all kinds of Swedish goodies to satisfy everyone’s tastes.

1. Swedish Apple Pie

What makes Swedish apple pie unique? It’s crust-free! But that doesn’t mean it’s any less tasty than the classic apple pie we know and love. 

Loaded with a thick cinnamon-infused filling, this pie is wonderfully sweet and perfectly spiced.

The filling forms a flaky crust on top as it bakes, which adds a lovely texture contrast to the pie. 

2. Semlor Buns

Semlor buns are incredibly soft buns with a marzipan and whipped cream filling.

The buns themselves are flavored with cardamom, so they taste and smell amazing.

The cream isn’t any ordinary filling. Rather, it’s a combination of whipped cream and almond paste.

Together with the super-soft buns, it makes the most wonderfully flavored treat.

Semlor buns are traditionally served on Mardi gras, but feel free to make them any time!

3. Sticky Chocolate Cake

Kladdkaka is Sweden’s version of chocolate cake. The cake is crunchy on the outside and ultra-moist on the inside, and it’s absolutely heavenly. 

It’s denser than typical cakes and tastes even more amazing when finished with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee for the most satisfying fika (coffee break).

4. Swedish Christmas Toffee

Knack, or Swedish Christmas toffee, is made from a combination of caramelized sugar and butter.

It’s wonderfully sweet, crunchy, and perfect for Christmas!

You can serve it as is or load it with various nuts for more flavor and texture.

The word “knack” is Swedish for “crack” or “break,” and refers to the lovely texture of the toffee.

5. Swedish Apple Cake

Can’t decide between cake and pie? Easy: make appelkaka!

Applekaka is a Swedish apple cake, and it’s downright delicious. It’s one of the most popular Swedish treats, and for good reason.

Moist and tender cake is loaded with crisp and tart apples and paired with a sweet vanilla sauce. Applekaka is impossible to resist. 

6. Swedish Almond Cake

Almond cake is a wonderfully dense cake garnished with an almond topping.

If you’re looking for the most flavorful cake to pair your coffee with, it’s this one.

Apart from the almonds, this cake is also flavored with a bit of lemon zest.

If you have never tried that flavor combination before, you’re missing out! This cake is a game-changer.

7. Swedish Waffles

When it comes to waffles, you’re probably thinking Belgium’s are the best.

But did you know that Sweden also has its version of the popular breakfast staple? Trust me, it’s a must-try.

Swedish waffles, also known as vaffeldagen, are thinner and crisper than typical waffles.

Oh, and they’re also heart-shaped, too. That alone should make you fall in love with them.

8. Kanelbulle (Cinnamon Buns)

Fun fact: the cinnamon buns we all know and love actually originated in Sweden! That’s why it’s no wonder Sweden’s kanelbulle are some of the best.

Super soft buns loaded with sweet and sticky cinnamon sugar: you really can’t go wrong with that.

Kanelbulle are without a doubt some of the tastiest, most delectable desserts Sweden has to offer.

9. Swedish Ginger Cookies

Pepparkakor is a sweet and wonderfully spiced ginger cookie. It’s basically the same thing as the gingersnap, except it’s not frosted or iced.

Apart from the perfect balance of flavors, ginger cookies are also said to have the power to grant wishes!

Swedish tradition requires you to place the cookie in your palm, make a wish, and tap it with your finger until it breaks.

10. Swedish Butter Cookies

These Swedish cookies are incredibly buttery and melt-in-your-mouth soft. They’re also crisp on the edges, giving the soft cookies a wonderful texture contrast.

The flavor may be simple, but don’t be fooled: these guys are insanely addictive.

11. Swedish Pancakes

In Sweden, pancakes aren’t only for breakfast, but for dessert as well!

Heck, the people who live in the country love them so much that they eat them for lunch and dinner!

Vafflor, or Swedish pancakes, are perfectly sweet and buttery, and taste amazing with jam and whipped cream!

I’d gladly eat these any day of the week, too.

12. Saffron Buns

Lussebullar is an insanely delicious bun flavored with saffron. These bright and festive buns are traditionally served during Christmas and the advent season.

These buns are incredibly soft and sweet.

Some versions are topped with raisins to give them a lovely texture contrast, while others are infused with almond paste and finished with pearl sugar.

13. Princess Cake

Princess cake, or prinsesstarta, is another popular Swedish cake that’s seen mostly on birthdays.

Made with layers of sponge cake, fruit filling, and cream coated with marzipan, it’s a happy birthday indeed! 

Fun fact: the cake was originally called gron tarta or green cake because of the green-marzipan frosting.

Its name eventually changed when it was published in a cookbook called Prinsessornas Nya.

Whatever you call it, one thing’s for sure: this cake is absolutely amazing.

14. Swedish Almond & Cardamom Mini-Cakes

These cakes may be small, but they’re loaded with flavor.

The combination of almonds and cardamom makes these cakes extra drool-worthy. They’re so good, you won’t be able to stop at one!

15. Swedish Cheesecake

Ostkaka, or Swedish cheesecake, is insanely rich, creamy, and mind-blowingly delicious.

Made from cottage cheese, flour, eggs, sugar, cream, and almonds, this cheesecake has a custard-like consistency.

It is best served at room temperature and topped with jam, berry syrup, or whipped cream.