Swedish Cream is destined to become your new favorite make ahead dessert. Think of it as a Swedish panna cotta, luscious and creamy with a just a hint of almond flavor. And the best part? You can make it a couple of days before you want to serve it AND it comes together in just minutes. Yes, entertaining just got a whole lot easier and more delicious.
Keep reading for step by step instructions for making Swedish Cream!

Why This Recipe Works
- Swedish Cream contains only wholesome, easy to find ingredients.
- This recipe comes together quickly and easily and can be made up to 2 days ahead of time.
- It's deliciously creamy and makes a perfect dessert for any occasion. My mom has served this Swedish Cream for dessert on Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember.
Ingredients

An easy list of wholesome ingredients:
- Cream
- Sour Cream
- Gelatin
- Water
- Sugar
- Salt
- Almond and Vanilla Extract
- Lingonberry preserves (optional but delicious)
How to Make This Recipe
- 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).
- 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.
- Remove from the heat and immediately whisk in the sour cream and extracts. 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 Lingonberry 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.

FAQs
Store individual servings of Swedish Cream in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 5 days.
Any kind of berry based compote or jam or fresh berries would be delicious alongside this recipe. See below for links.
Other Topping Ideas
Lingonberry preserves or lingonberry sauce is a classic topping for this recipe, but another fruit compote, jam or fresh berries would be delicious as well! Consider these tasty compotes as alternative toppings:
- Strawberry Rhubarb Compote
- Pear Compote
- Peach Compote
- Blueberry Cardamom Compote
- Sweet and Simple Roasted Strawberries
Related Recipes
Looking for more cool and creamy Scandinavian-inspired desserts? Give these favorites a try:

Swedish Cream
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
Nutrition
If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Swedish Cream and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.
Kristi
Our favorite make ahead dessert!