21 Scandinavian Desserts to Savor

Whipped Cream Krumkake

Our hometown has a rich Norwegian culture. That heritage is evident during our annual Nordic Fest, where this classic krumkake recipe is king. Here’s your introduction to the timeless treat. —Imelda Nesteby, Decorah, Iowa

Swedish Flop

Swedish flop was one of my Gramma Esther’s favorites. Found mainly in the Chicago area, this combination of fluffy yeasted cake and buttercream is, like Esther herself, a showstopper. —Shauna Sever, Oak Park, Illinois

Swedish Spice Cutouts

My sister, Judith Landgren of White Sulphur Springs, Montana, brought this recipe with her when she came to the United States from Sweden in 1928.

Flaky Danish Kringle

This traditional yeast bread wonderfully reflects my Scandinavian heritage. Flaky layers of tender dough are flavored with almond paste. The unique sugar cookie crumb coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness.

Swedish Doughnuts

One day, my father got a hankering for doughnuts and asked me to make him some. I ended up trying these. Dad—and everyone else—loved the results. They come out so golden and plump. —Lisa Bates, Dunham, Quebec

Lingonberry-Cardamom Cake

Our family is Scandinavian, and we love using almonds, cardamom and lingonberries in desserts, as in this cardamom cake. If lingonberry jam is difficult to obtain, you can use pureed cranberry sauce with a little lemon juice to get a similar sweet-tart flavor. Whipped cream is a perfect topping for this Scandinavian-inspired dessert. —Barbara Kvale, Cologne, Minnesota

Swedish Almond Rusks

Not too sweet, these nutty, crunchy cookies go well with a cup of hot coffee…and travel well in care packages, too!

Aebleskiver

Years ago, a friend returned from visiting her family in Denmark and brought back her family recipe for aebleskiver. After hearing her rave about the tasty Danish pancake balls sold in bakeries and at street markets there, I ordered an aebleskiver pan. I’ve been making them ever since. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York

Cardamom Spritz

As far back as I remember, I have loved cardamom. My grandmother often added the spice to her baked goods. I usually make these cookies with a spritz press—and camel disk—that I found at a thrift shop. It reminds me of a time when I rode a camel in the desert while deployed with the Navy. Of course, any design will do! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

Flaky Danish Braids

Though this recipe takes a bit of time to make, it’s completely worth it. The braids are a special breakfast treat on occasions like Easter or a family birthday. People will take seconds and thirds! —Debbie Ewald, Oak Grove, Missouri

Crispy Norwegian Bows

I’ve been fixing these cookies for so long, I don’t recall where the recipe came from. They’re a “must” at our house.—Janie Norwood, Albany, Georgia

Swedish Apple Pie

This decadent apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Swedish Creme

This thick and creamy dessert is my interpretation of my mother’s recipe for Swedish krem. It has just a hint of almond flavor and looks spectacular with bright red berries on top. Serve it in glasses to match the occasion. —Linda Nilsen, Anoka, Minnesota

Swedish Butter Cookies

It’s impossible to eat just one of these Swedish cookies. Naturally, they’re a favorite with my Swedish husband and children—but anyone with a sweet tooth will appreciate this treat. My recipe is “well-traveled” among our friends and neighbors. —Sue Soderland, Elgin, Illinois

Danish Pancakes

I came to North America from Denmark decades ago, and my mother used to make these pancakes for me and my siblings while growing up. Today, my children and grandchildren love these, so I often have to double the recipe.—Lise Thomson, Magrath, Alberta

Swedish Cream Apple Rings

My mother made this classic coffee cake for every important holiday… Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Now, I carry on the tradition. As I make them, I remember my mom, who was a lot like this recipe: soft and tasteful but full of surprises. The overnight rise let’s you make the dough in advance so your morning won’t be hectic.—Heather Hood, Hillsboro, Oregon

Swedish Christmas Rice Pudding

Rice pudding is an old-fashioned dessert that is comforting and delicious. The creamy treat has a mild vanilla flavor.—Karla Larson, East Moline, Illinois

Norwegian Chocolate Chip Cookies

My best friend, Amber, taught me how to make this classic Norwegian dessert. They are a great mash-up of a sugar and chocolate chip cookie. A pizza cutter is the best tool for cutting into slices after baking. —Bonnie Brien, Surprise, Arizona

Pecan Kringle Sticks

My family loves that the kringle is flaky and not too sweet—it just melts in your mouth. This makes a beautiful presentation on a cookie platter along with other holiday sweets. —Connie Vjestica, Brookfield, Illinois

Chocolate & Cardamom Coconut Tart

This holiday-worthy tart with a cardamom-scented crust is my nod to our family’s Scandinavian heritage. The filling is rich in all the right ways, with coconut, cranberries and chocolate. —Carole Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Scandinavian Pecan Cookies

We enjoyed these rich, buttery cookies at a bed-and-breakfast in Galena, Illinois, and the hostess was kind enough to share her simple recipe. The pretty nut-topped treats are so special you could give a home-baked batch as a gift. —Laurie Knoke
DeKalb, Illinois