Written by Jazmin
06 Nov 2025
Now that the temperature is lower and winter is right around the corner, eating something sweet in a cozy café or in your room feels like the perfect plan for me. It usually happens when it’s cold outside, you just want something warm and comforting, but for Swedes, this is more than a seasonal craving. It’s part of their everyday life.
Swedes definitely have a sweet tooth. When I first arrived in this country, I was amazed by the huge amount of pastries and sweets they have. There are cinnamon rolls, cookies, buns with cream, colorful candies, chocolate balls, and that’s just what you find in a regular supermarket! I can even say that sweets are preferred over salty sandwiches, especially when it comes to fika.
And fika… that’s another story.
If you’ve been in Sweden for a while, you know fika is not just a coffee break; it’s a cultural moment. It’s when people stop what they’re doing, grab a cup of coffee (or tea), and enjoy something sweet while talking or simply relaxing. In Peru, we also enjoy sharing food and coffee, but our culture is more focused on main dishes. Lunch is usually the big meal of the day, and we take pride in having one of the best gastronomies in the world! But in Sweden, the focus shifts. Here, fika is sacred. It’s about pausing for a few minutes, recharging, and of course, having something deliciously sweet on the side. And I must say: Sweden is definitely the king of sweets!
Kladdkaka: The Swedish chocolate classic
When we talk about Swedish sweets, we have to mention kladdkaka. This sticky chocolate cake even has its own day: The Kladdkakans dag, celebrated every November 7 (Tomorrow!).
I tried kladdkaka for the first time when I visited Stockholm, and honestly, I didn’t even plan it. It was just there, in almost every café I entered. For me, it tastes like a brownie, but softer inside and a bit more chewy and wet. I actually think I like it even more than brownies! It’s less chocolatosious (if that word exists, haha), and I love its gooey texture.
What I find amazing is how common it is, you can find kladdkaka everywhere, from cozy cafés to grocery stores (and right now, you’ll probably see it on discount for Kladdkakans dag!). Some people eat it with whipped cream, some with ice cream, but one thing’s for sure: it’s one of the most beloved cakes in Sweden.
More Swedish sweets to love
Of course, kladdkaka is not the only star of the show. Swedes have a long list of sweets that you can enjoy, and if you ever want to have a real Swedish fika, here are some must-tries:
☕️ Kanelbulle – the famous cinnamon roll and Sweden’s pride.
🍫 Chokladboll – no-bake chocolate and oat balls rolled in coconut.
🎂 Prinsesstårta – the elegant green princess cake covered with marzipan.
🍰 Semla – a cardamom bun filled with almond paste and cream (usually eaten in February).
🍪 Dammsugare (Punschrulle) – green marzipan rolls with chocolate ends and a punch-flavored filling.
If you ever find yourself in a Swedish café, try one of these with your coffee, you’ll understand why fika is such an important part of life here.
Tomorrow is Kladdkakans dag, and I totally invite you to try a slice, or even bake one yourself! What can I say? Even though I sometimes prefer salty options like sandwiches, I have to admit that I have a sweet tooth too. Sweden has truly surprised me with its passion for sweets, and I love that I can enjoy so many different treats here.
So tomorrow, grab a fork, enjoy some kladdkaka, and celebrate this sweet Swedish tradition!🍫
