Close your eyes and picture this: a candlelit wedding in a cozy Swedish barn, the scent of cinnamon and almond in the air, and a cake so beautiful it could make even a Viking shed a tear. Welcome to the world of Swedish wedding cakes—where tradition meets pure deliciousness.
Whether you’re planning a dreamy wedding in Sweden or just want to add a touch of Scandinavian magic to your big day, this guide will take you through the most beloved traditional Swedish wedding cakes. Spoiler alert: Some of them aren’t even sweet!
Why Choose a Traditional Swedish Wedding Cake?
Let’s be honest—wedding cakes are often more about the aesthetics than the taste. But Swedish wedding cakes? They’re a perfect blend of both.
💛 They’re full of symbolism—From predicting your future children to bringing luck, these cakes aren’t just desserts; they’re stories.
💛 They’re naturally elegant—Minimalist yet beautiful, they embody that effortless Scandinavian charm.
💛 They’re uniquely delicious—Forget the overly sugary buttercream; Swedish cakes are rich in almonds, vanilla, and fresh flavors.
Now, let’s dive into the most iconic ones!
1. Kransekake: The Tower of Sweet Luck
If there’s one cake that truly steals the spotlight at Swedish weddings, it’s the kransekake.
What makes it special?
- Made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites, giving it a delightfully chewy texture.
- Baked into rings of varying sizes, which are then stacked into a towering cone (sometimes up to 18 layers!).
- Decorated with royal icing swirls, marzipan flowers, and tiny Swedish flags.
- Swedish wedding tradition: The newlyweds lift the top ring together, and the number of rings that stick to it predicts how many children they’ll have!
🧡 Pro tip: If you want an authentic kransekake, check out Tössebageriet in Stockholm—they’ve been making classic Scandinavian cakes for over 100 years.
2. Prinsesstårta: The Royal Green Delight
If you’ve ever stepped into a Swedish bakery, you’ve probably spotted this cake—bright green, round, and topped with a pink marzipan rose. It’s called prinsesstårta (Princess Cake), and it’s as delicious as it is iconic.
What makes it special?
- Layers of light sponge cake, vanilla custard, raspberry jam, and fluffy whipped cream.
- Wrapped in a signature green marzipan dome, giving it that fairytale look.
- Topped with a single marzipan rose, symbolizing elegance and romance.
- Originally created for Sweden’s royal princesses in the 1930s—hence the name!
💚 Want to try the best prinsesstårta in Sweden? Visit Vete-Katten in Stockholm, where they’ve been baking it since 1928.
3. Spettekaka: The Cake That Shouldn’t Exist (But Does!)
This one is straight out of a wizard’s cookbook. Spettekaka (”spit cake”) is a towering, spiral-shaped cake that seems to defy gravity.
What makes it special?
- Made from eggs, sugar, and potato starch, whipped into a batter and drizzled over a rotating spit.
- Baked over an open flame, giving it a unique crispiness.
- Traditionally several feet tall, making it a true centerpiece for any wedding.
🎭 Fun fact: This cake is so delicate that you don’t cut it—you break it. Think of it as a sweet Swedish piñata!
If you’re in Skåne (southern Sweden), Olof Viktors is the place to go for an authentic spettekaka experience.
4. Smörgåstårta: The Cake That’s Not a Cake
Now, let’s get weird for a second. What if I told you that one of Sweden’s most popular “wedding cakes” isn’t actually sweet at all?
Introducing smörgåstårta—the savory sandwich cake that confuses and delights in equal measure.
What makes it special?
- Instead of sponge cake, it’s made with soft bread layers.
- Fillings include smoked salmon, shrimp, eggs, mayonnaise, dill, and caviar.
- Decorated with herbs, seafood, and lemon slices, making it look just as elegant as a sweet cake.
While smörgåstårta isn’t usually the main wedding cake, many Swedish couples include it as part of the reception menu. And trust me—your guests will love the surprise!
For a truly amazing smörgåstårta, check out Gunnarsons in Stockholm.
Where to Buy the Best Swedish Wedding Cakes?
If you’re planning a wedding in Sweden, you’ll want the best cake possible. Here are some top bakeries that specialize in traditional Swedish wedding cakes:
🏡 Tössebageriet (Stockholm) – Best for kransekake
🍰 Vete-Katten (Stockholm) – Best for prinsesstårta
🍯 Olof Viktors (Skåne) – Best for spettekaka
🥪 Gunnarsons (Stockholm) – Best for smörgåstårta
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most traditional Swedish wedding cake?
The kransekake is the most traditional, often used in Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish weddings.
What does the number of rings in a kransekake mean?
Tradition says that the number of rings that stick together when the bride and groom lift the top ring predicts how many children they’ll have!
Can I have a Swedish wedding cake if I’m not in Sweden?
Yes! Many bakeries worldwide specialize in Scandinavian desserts, and you can also try baking one at home.
Capture Every Sweet Moment of Your Wedding
Your wedding cake isn’t just dessert—it’s part of your love story. And every detail, from the first slice to the last crumb, deserves to be captured beautifully.
📸 Want to make your wedding memories last forever? Let’s create magic together!
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After all, your wedding isn’t just a day—it’s a collection of your happiest moments. Let’s make them last forever. ✨
