When you visit Sweden one of the best local customs that everyone should take part in and enjoy is Fika. Fika is an afternoon break to gather with friends and family over a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and enjoy a sweet treat together. Swedish fika is very culturally important and almost religiously observed. It only makes sense then that there are a wide variety of incredibly scrumptious Swedish pastries and treats that one can enjoy well having fika.
My husband is Swedish and we visit Sweden about once a year. I have a big ol sweet tooth and LOVE all things sweet and dessert-ish. So of course I have tried my best to sample as many Swedish pastries and treats as possible. These are the best pastries and unmissable Swedish desserts you need to try on your next trip out. Almost every Swedish café will carry all or most of these desserts.
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Princess Cake (Prinsesstarta)
My absolute, hands down, favorite dessert from Sweden is the princess cake. I first had this Swedish cake at my wedding reception in Sweden and I was hooked. Thin layers of sponge cake with filling such as jam and vanilla custard, topped with a large mound of whipped cream and covered with a sweet layer of traditional green marzipan. It is so good and a very classic Swedish dessert. It is hard to eat only one piece of cake at a time.
Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)
Another classic Swedish pastry that you must try when visiting Sweden are the Swedish cinnamon buns. Similar to American cinnamon rolls and yet completely different at the same time. The dough is light and sweet, the cinnamon filling is savory and delicious and it is topped with a sprinkling of pearl sugar.
Fun fact: there is even a cinnamon bun day, a whole day to celebrate these golden brown sweet treats.
More to Do in Sweden:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Malmo, Sweden
- 11 Top Things to Do and See in Skåne, Sweden
- Guide to Österlyenkryddor Farm Shop in Skåne, Sweden
Thumbprint Cookies w/ Jam (Hallongrottor Cookies)
Swedish butter cookies with a divot in the middle that is filled with berry jams. It may sound simple but it is absolutely delicious. The sweet and tart of the strawberry or raspberry jam combined with the buttery cookie base makes for a heavenly combination. Try one of these Swedish treats and you won’t be disappointed!
Chocolate Balls (Chokladbollar)
My son’s favorite Swedish treat by a mile is the chocolate ball. He orders one every time we go out for Fika and Farmor makes them every year when we visit at Christmas time. The chocolaty dessert is rolled into small balls and coated with shredded coconut or sprinkles for an indulgent sweet. I have never had a treat like these Swedish chocolate balls before.
Cardamom Buns (Kardemummabullar)
Cardamom buns are a uniquely savory Swedish pastry that is similar to the cinnamon buns. The cardamom has a strong flavor that somehow works with the sweet dough. If you are looking for a yummy pastry to have at Fika time that is less sugary, give the kardemummabullar a try.
Semla Buns
Semla buns are typically found in Swedish bakeries shortly after Christmas through till Easter, although you can make them at home any time of year. These yummy pastries are made from flour dough, lightly flavored with cardamom and filled to the brim with almond paste and whipped cream filling. This is my husband’s absolute favorite Swedish pastry and each time we visit for Christmas we search for the early Semla buns to eat before we fly home.
More to Do in Scandinavia:
- One Day in Copenhagen, Denmark: 5 Beautiful Sights to See
- A Day in Flåm: DIY Norway in a Nutshell Tour
- Road Trip Through Norway (Coming Soon)
Swedish Pancakes (Vaflor)
Somewhat similar to a crepe, Sweden’s version of pancakes are much thinner than the traditional American counterpart. You can top them with butter, jam, Nutella or fruit like fresh strawberries. Alone they are a little plain but with the right toppings, they are a delicious breakfast or fika treat.
Carmels (Knäck)
The next treat worth mentioning is Knäck. This is a traditional hard, sticky caramel that you can find with a variety of toppings. If you like caramel or toffee I would wager that you’ll like this candy treat too. It definitely sticks to your teeth though! Although it is made from simple ingredients, it takes a little practice to make it correctly in my experience.
Gingerbread Cookies (Pepparkakor)
Unlike American gingerbread cookies which are soft and served with a lot of frosting, pepparkakor is a thin and crisp ginger cookie and is served plain or with very small amounts of frosting. Similar to a gingersnap, Swedish gingerbread cookies have a nice crunch and a delightfully simple flavor.
Amazing Swedish Pastries and Desserts
Traditional Swedish desserts and pastries are so delicious and there are so many different treats to try. Good thing that Fika is every day! Whether it’s a fluffy princess cake or a crispy gingerbread cookie, there are traditional Swedish pastries for everyone to love. So the next time you find yourself in Sweden, don’t forget to grab a slice of cake or another delicious treat and enjoy the amazingness of Swedish Fika! There is no better way to pass the afternoon.
