Sweet Memories: Swedish Desserts from My Childhood

Written by

Betsie

in

Some flavors stay with us, woven into the fabric of our memories — not just for how they tasted, but for where we were and who we were with. The Swedish desserts of my childhood were like that. Whether at my mom’s restaurant or during the Summer Solstice festival, these treats marked moments of joy, tradition, and togetherness. Each one has a story.

Swedish Tea Ring: A Gift and a Gathering

The Swedish Tea Ring was a familiar sight at family get-togethers — usually brought by an aunt or a kind neighbor wrapped in foil and warm from the oven. Its golden spiral of cinnamon, sugar, and sliced almonds was always a welcome addition to the table. I remember how we’d pull apart pieces with our hands, each swirl soft and sweet. It wasn’t something my mom served at the restaurant — it was more personal, a dessert passed around in kitchens and living rooms with coffee and conversation.

Rusks: All About the Flavor

Rusks were always around — crunchy, light, and subtly spiced. I never dipped them in warm milk like some do; I just loved the flavor exactly as it was. That hint of cardamom, the gentle sweetness — they were the kind of treat I could nibble on any time, whether at home or sneaking one off a tray at the restaurant. Simple, but unforgettable.

Almond Cake: A Solstice Festival Favorite

If there was one dessert that truly belonged to the Summer Solstice festival, it was almond cake. Baked in long pans or molded in rings, dusted with powdered sugar, and sliced thin — it always felt like the essence of Swedish summer. The almond flavor was rich but never overpowering, and its dense, moist texture held up beautifully even on a warm day spent dancing around the maypole. For me, the Solstice wasn’t complete without it.

Rosettes: Crisp Celebration

Rosettes were pure celebration — delicate, crisp, and lightly sweet, like little edible snowflakes kissed with powdered sugar. Watching them sizzle into shape was half the fun. These only came out for special occasions, and the Summer Solstice was the biggest of them all. I’d grab one and run off to play, sugar dust clinging to my fingers and cheeks, the long daylight stretching on forever.

Ostkaka: Honorable Mention

I never really liked ostkaka (Swedish cheesecake) as a kid. Its soft, custardy texture wasn’t my thing, but it was always around — someone always brought one. My daughter, though, absolutely loved it. She’d eat it warm with lingonberries and cream, smiling with every bite. It’s funny how tastes differ across generations. I might not have loved it, but watching her enjoy it gave it a new place in my heart.

These desserts aren’t just treats — they’re time capsules. They carry the spirit of festivals, quiet mornings, generous neighbors, and shared stories. Baking them now means more than recreating a taste — it means honoring the past and passing it forward, one sweet bite at a time.

1. Swedish Tea Ring (Vetekrans)

Ingredients:

  • 1 packet dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
  • 1 cup warm milk
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • Filling: ¼ cup butter, softened, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp cinnamon, ½ cup chopped almonds or raisins
  • Icing (optional): powdered sugar + milk

Instructions:

  1. Dissolve yeast in warm milk. Let stand 5–10 minutes.
  2. Add sugar, butter, eggs, salt, and flour. Knead until smooth. Let rise 1 hour.
  3. Roll dough into a rectangle. Spread with filling. Roll up and shape into a ring.
  4. Snip the ring every 2 inches and twist slices slightly outward.
  5. Let rise 30 minutes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
  6. Drizzle with icing once cooled.

2. Easy Swedish Rusks (Skorpor)

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf of plain white or cardamom bread (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: melted butter, a sprinkle of sugar and ground cardamom

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 250°F (120°C).
  2. Slice the bread into even pieces, about ½ to ¾ inch thick.
  3. Optional: Brush each slice lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cardamom for a sweeter, more traditional flavor.
  4. Place on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  5. Bake for 45–60 minutes, flipping halfway, until completely dry and crisp.
  6. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

3. Almond Cake (Mandelkaka)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 ½ tsp almond extract
  • 1 cup flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions:

  1. Beat sugar and egg. Add milk and almond extract.
  2. Stir in flour and baking powder. Add melted butter last.
  3. Pour into greased pan (traditionally an almond cake pan or loaf).
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes. Cool before serving.

4. Rosettes (Rosettbakelser)

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup flour
  • Oil for frying
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions:

  1. Whisk eggs, sugar, salt, and milk. Stir in flour.
  2. Heat oil and rosette iron. Dip hot iron into batter, then into oil.
  3. Fry until golden, remove, and drain. Dust with powdered sugar.

5. Ostkaka (Swedish Cheesecake)

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • Butter for greasing

Instructions:

  1. Blend eggs, sugar, and flour. Add cottage cheese, milk, and almond extract.
  2. Pour into greased baking dish.
  3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 60–75 minutes.
  4. Serve warm with lingonberries or whipped cream.

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