One of the most popular Swedish desserts is a rich chocolate cake known as kladdkaka. This classic Swedish creation combines eggs, cocoa (or chocolate), butter, sugar, and flour into a dense and luscious dessert. During baking, the cake should always remain moist in the center, while the outer layer is transformed into a thin, crunchy coating.
Since the cake is incredibly dense, and typically heavy on the bitter chocolate or cocoa, it is usually dusted with a delicate layer of powdered sugar, and traditionally served with a dollop of ice cream or whipped cream on the side. It is one the most beloved Swedish desserts, typically enjoyed during fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break.
MOST ICONIC Kladdkaka
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Jordgubbstårta is a traditional strawberry cake originating from Sweden. It usually consists of five parts: sponge cake (flour, sugar, eggs, cornstarch, vanilla); lemon syrup (lemon juice, water, sugar); pastry cream (eggs, sugar, vanilla, flour, butter, milk); mascarpone whipped cream (mascarpone cheese, crème fraiche, sugar, vanilla), and a garnish of fresh strawberries.
In order to assemble the cake, the sponge cake is brushed with lemon syrup, topped with pastry cream and quartered strawberries, and then with whipped cream. The process is repeated two more times, and the cake is then covered with mascarpone whipped cream and the remaining strawberries.
This classic Swedish cake was originally named grön tårta (lit. green cake), due to its typical green-colored marzipan decoration. The recipe was first published in a 1948 edition of Prinsessornas Nya Kokbok, and it originally consisted of sponge layers coated in vanilla-flavored buttercream which were then topped with a thick layer of whipped cream and marzipan.
It became increasingly popular in the 1950s, and it soon became known as prinsesstårta. This classic is a staple at every special event in Sweden and is commonly found in most pastry shops. Modern varieties are usually dome-shaped and come with an additional layer of raspberry jelly.
Ostkaka is a very old Swedish specialty that literally translates to cheesecake, although it should not be mistaken with the well-known American cheesecake. Traditionally, it is prepared with rennet that converts milk into cheese, which is then combined with flour, eggs, sugar, cream, and almonds, and baked until lightly browned.
The whole process can be simplified by using cottage cheese instead. Unlike American cheesecakes, ostkaka is less sweet, much lighter, less fattening, and somewhat custardy. It is best served lukewarm or at room temperature, drizzled with fresh berry syrup, tart jam, or topped with whipped cream and strawberries.
Skånsk spettkaka or pyramid cake is a visually appealing conical cake from Scania, Sweden, traditionally made using only fresh eggs, sugar, and potato flour. This spit cake has been baked in Sweden since the 1600s, and the first recipe for it was found in Susanna Egerin's cookbook dating back to 1733.
In the past, only the wealthier people could afford this delicacy, but today anyone can enjoy its unique taste. The ingredients are mixed using a special technique, then formed into a sticky batter. Afterwards, the batter is slowly baked on a rotating mould at a high temperature, layer by layer, until it develops a golden-brown color (with irregular spikes on its body) and a pleasant aroma.
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