The Perfect Swedish Delight: What to Eat with Your Coffee

There are a wide assortment of sweets that you can enjoy during a Swedish fika. This post will go through some of the most common ones.

8/28/20242 min read

baked bread serving on white and blue plate

Introduction to Swedish Fika Culture

In Sweden, the practice of enjoying coffee alongside sweet treats is not just a casual habit but an integral part of their culture. Known as 'Fika,' this daily coffee break is often accompanied by an assortment of delicious sweets. Let's explore some common sweets that Swedes typically enjoy with their coffee or tea.

Cinnamon Buns (Kanelbullar)

No discussion about Swedish coffee pairings would be complete without mentioning Kanelbullar, or cinnamon buns. These iconic pastries are a household favorite, featuring a soft dough swirled with cinnamon, sugar, and butter. Often topped with pearl sugar, Kanelbullar offer a delightful mix of sweetness and spice that pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee.

Princess Cake (Prinsesstårta)

Another popular choice is the princess cake, known as prinsesstårta. This delectable isn't usually found on the everyday fika table, but is often made for big celebrations like birthdays and holidays. It is a layered sponge cake with vanilla custard filling, jam and stabilized whip cream. The layers are then covered with a sheet of marzipan. The traditional color is green, but you'll see many other lovely pastel colors as well.

Arrack roll (Punschrulle)

This is a very unique Swedish treat that has the most charming nickname. Punschrulle, or dammsugare as it is so fondly called by Swedes because it looks like an old vacuum cleaner. It is made from leftover cake, like the sponge cake and marzipan mentioned above. The cake is mixed with Punsch, a liquor that is flavored with arrack and other spices.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Fika

In Swedish culture, taking the time to relax and enjoy a coffee break with sweet treats is more than just a daily ritual; it's a cherished moment of connection. Whether you're savoring a cinnamon bun, a piece of princess cake, or punschrulle or two, these delights offer the perfect companion to your coffee, enhancing your overall enjoyment. So, the next time you enjoy a cup of coffee, why not embrace the spirit of Fika and treat yourself to these delightful Swedish sweets?