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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Swedish Cream

    Published: Apr 21, 2023 · Modified: May 14, 2025 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Swedish Cream is a silky, lightly set dessert that’s sure to become your new favorite make-ahead treat. Think of it as Sweden’s answer to panna cotta—luscious, creamy, and delicately flavored with a hint of almond.

    The best part? It comes together in just minutes and can be made a day or two ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining. Whether you serve it with fresh berries, a fruit compote, or all on its own, Swedish Cream is an elegant, no-fuss way to end any meal.

    Spoon in a serving of Swedish Cream.

    Swedish Cream has long been part of the Scandinavian-American food tradition. It’s been served for decades at iconic restaurants in northern Minnesota like Lutsen Lodge and the Angry Trout Café, and versions of the recipe have appeared in local newspapers such as the Star Tribune. For many families—including mine—it’s a cherished holiday dessert, often making an appearance on the Christmas Eve table alongside cookies and other festive treats.

    This creamy, make-ahead dessert pairs beautifully with a spoonful of Strawberry Rhubarb Compote, a dollop of Lingonberry Sauce or lingonberry jam, or a scattering of fresh summer berries. You might also enjoy it as part of a Scandinavian-inspired holiday menu or a light finish to a Midsummer gathering. However you serve it, Swedish Cream is a simple and elegant treat that’s sure to earn a place in your recipe rotation.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make This Recipe
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • What to Serve with Swedish Cream
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for Swedish Cream.
    • Cream
    • Sour Cream
    • Gelatin
    • Sugar
    • Salt
    • Vanilla and Almond Extract
    • Lingonberry jam or homemade Lingonberry Sauce (optional)

    See recipe card for exact amounts and detailed instructions.

    How to Make This Recipe

    Gelatin and water in a small glass bowl.
    • Step 1: Sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 10 minutes (this softens the gelatin and prepares it for use in the recipe).
    Swedish Cream in a saucepan with a wooden spoon.
    • Step 2: Combine the sugar, salt and cream together in a medium saucepan. Add the gelatin mixture. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture is steaming and the gelatin and sugar have dissolved, about 7-8 minutes.
    Swedish Cream in a Saucepan with a whisk.
    • Step 3: Remove from the heat and immediately whisk in the sour cream and extracts.
    Swedish Cream in a stemmed glass topped with lingonberries and next to a spoon.
    • Step 4: Pour into individual serving cups. Cover each portion carefully with plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator. Chill until completely set, at least 3 hours.Serve topped with lingonberry jam or sauce if desired.

    Expert Tips

    • Be sure to gently sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water rather than pouring it out in a clump. This will help it soften properly.
    Overhead view of Swedish Cream.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do I store Swedish Cream?

    Store individual servings of Swedish Cream in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.

    What to Serve with Swedish Cream

    Lingonberry preserves or lingonberry sauce is the classic topping for Swedish Cream, adding just the right amount of tart contrast to the sweet, creamy base. But don’t stop there - this dessert is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of fruit compotes, jams, or fresh berries.

    Here are a few delicious options to try:

    • Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
    • Pear Compote
    • Apple Compote
    • Peach Compote
    • Blueberry Cardamom Compote
    • Sweet and Simple Roasted Strawberries

    To add a bit of crunch, consider serving Swedish Cream with a crispy cookie or two on the side such as Mandelmusslor, Krumkake or Havreflarn (Swedish Oatmeal Cookies).

    Related Recipes

    Looking for more cool and creamy Scandinavian-inspired desserts? Give these favorites a try:

    • Light and Creamy Orange Mousse in a a glass next to a spoon and an orange.
      Light and Creamy Orange Mousse
    • Cardamom Ice Cream in a white dish on a wooden surface.
      Homemade Cardamom Ice Cream
    • Frozen berry skyr yogurt in a bowl with fresh berries and a spoon
      Nordic Wild Berry Frozen Skyr
    • Close up of an overhead shot of Lingonberry Mousse topped with frozen lingonberries.
      Lingonberry Mousse (Trollkrem)

    If you tried this Swedish Cream recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

    Recipe

    Close up of a spoon in a serving of Swedish Cream topped with lingonberries.

    Swedish Cream

    An easy, creamy make-ahead dessert flavored with almond extract. Perfect for effortless entertaining!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
    Chilling Time: 3 hours hours
    Total Time: 3 hours hours 23 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings
    Calories: 334kcal
    Author: Kristi

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons cold water
    • 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
    • 2 cups cream
    • 1 cup sugar
    • Pinch of salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • 2 cups sour cream
    • Lingonberry preserves or Lingonberry Sauce to serve if desired.

    Instructions

    • Sprinkle gelatin on top of cold water and let it soak for 10 minutes.
    • Combine cream, sugar and salt in a medium saucepan. Add the gelatin mixture and bring to a simmer over low heat until the sugar and gelatin dissolves, about 7-8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
    • Add the extracts and sour cream, whisking until smooth.
    • Ladle into individual serving cups, cover and chill for at least 3 hours or up to 2 days.
    • Serve chilled with a dollop of lingonberry preserves on top, if desired.

    Notes

    Leftovers will keep covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 334kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 104mg | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 986IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

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    • Swedish Blueberry Soup (Blåbärsoppa) in a glass dish next to a spoon.
      Swedish Blueberry Soup (Blåbärssoppa)

    Comments

    1. Sally says

      November 01, 2024 at 8:42 pm

      5 stars
      Beautiful, simple dessert. I made this after having Swedish Cream at The Angry Trout in Grand Marais, MN. Theirs had a subtle flavor that I couldn’t place, cardamom maybe? Even without whatever that was, this is delicious.

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        November 04, 2024 at 1:09 pm

        Thanks, Sally! I've had that Swedish Cream at the Angry Trout. SO good! Thanks so much for leaving a comment.

        Kristi

        Reply
    2. Steve H Engelking says

      August 28, 2024 at 1:59 pm

      5 stars
      Made it one time and all six guests wanted the recipe

      Reply
    3. D says

      September 28, 2023 at 12:03 am

      5 stars
      Krista, Thank you for this lovely recipe!! My bookclub had a Swedish theme for the potluck and your recipe was a hit and your site was shared with many. This baker actually had not one ounce of sugar in my pantry due to a few years of a cleaner diet. Taking a chance, I used Whole Earth plant based sugar alternative Erythritol and monkfruit and it worked wonderfully. I did use a dollop of IKEA’s organic lingonberry spread atop each serving. This will be made again in the near future as the kids and hubby loved the leftovers.

      Reply
    4. Marcia says

      September 03, 2023 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      Always a winner - and incredibly quick and easy!

      Reply
    5. Krista Tendler says

      June 18, 2023 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      Simple and amazing. Delicious!

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        June 21, 2023 at 5:32 pm

        Hi Krista,
        So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for the comment!
        Kristi

        Reply
    6. Dala Town says

      June 14, 2023 at 1:49 pm

      What a sweet combination of fresh and creamy! Thanks for sharing. Looks perfect for a warm Midsummer's Day. 🙂

      Reply
    7. Kristi says

      April 21, 2023 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      Our favorite make ahead dessert!

      Reply
    5 from 6 votes

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