19 Scandinavian Desserts to Savor

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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.

From the Recipe Creator: 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.

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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

From the Recipe Creator: 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