One of the joys of visiting any new city is exploring its culinary offerings. During my recent trip to Västerås, Sweden, I was eager to immerse myself not just in the city’s rich history and charming streets, but in its unique selection of desserts. Sweden, known for its rich coffee culture and pastry tradition, offers an exciting array of sweets that can’t be missed—especially in Västerås, where local flavors meet innovative twists on classic Scandinavian treats.
In this article, I’ll take you on a sweet journey through the city’s best dessert spots, sharing my personal experiences and recommendations for some of the most iconic and delicious desserts you can try in Västerås. From traditional Swedish pastries to more modern interpretations, these desserts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after a hearty meal.
1. Prinsesstårta (Princess Cake) – Café Vättern
Address: Stora Torget 5, 722 12 Västerås
Must-Try: Prinsesstårta
When you think of Swedish desserts, one of the first that comes to mind is undoubtedly Prinsesstårta, or Princess Cake. This iconic Swedish dessert has a rich history and is a must-try in Västerås, where you can find one of the best versions at Café Vättern. Located in the heart of Västerås, this charming café is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The café has a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for indulging in sweet treats after a long day of exploring the city.
Description: Prinsesstårta is a layered cake made with sponge cake, raspberry jam, custard, and whipped cream, all enveloped in a layer of marzipan. The marzipan layer is traditionally green, making it both a visual and a culinary delight. The balance of flavors is perfect—light and sweet, but rich enough to satisfy any dessert craving.
Price: Around SEK 55-65 per slice.
Why Visit: The cake at Café Vättern is beautifully crafted, and the café itself offers a cozy setting to enjoy it with a cup of coffee. Many visitors rave about the freshness of the ingredients, as well as the balanced sweetness of the cake.
Booking Tips & Discounts: While Café Vättern doesn’t require reservations for dessert, it’s often busy during peak hours, so I’d recommend arriving early in the afternoon if you want to avoid the crowds. You can also check out Reseplaneraren for up-to-date information on local events and festivals, which sometimes offer special deals for tourists.
2. Kanelbullar (Cinnamon Buns) – Café Stadsparken
Address: Stadsparken, 722 15 Västerås
Must-Try: Kanelbullar
No visit to Sweden would be complete without a taste of Kanelbullar, the beloved cinnamon buns that are a staple of Swedish fika (coffee break). Café Stadsparken is the perfect place to enjoy these delicious, aromatic buns. Nestled in the tranquil setting of Stadsparken (City Park), the café offers a peaceful atmosphere for enjoying freshly baked Kanelbullar.
Description: Kanelbullar are soft, yeast-based buns generously filled with cinnamon and sugar, twisted into spirals and often topped with pearl sugar. The cinnamon filling is subtly spiced, and the dough is light and fluffy, making each bite an indulgent experience. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the warm scent of these buns wafting through the air as you approach the café.
Price: SEK 30-45 per bun.
Why Visit: Café Stadsparken is known for its delicious, freshly made Kanelbullar, and the park setting makes it a perfect spot to enjoy a dessert while taking in the natural beauty of Västerås. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for people-watching, too!
Booking Tips & Discounts: You don’t need a reservation for dessert here, but if you’re visiting in the summer, try to go early to grab a seat on the outdoor terrace. For dessert lovers looking for a more exclusive experience, keep an eye on TheFork, a European restaurant reservation platform that sometimes offers special deals or discounts.
3. Semla (Shrove Bun) – Södermalm Café
Address: Södermalm 8, 722 14 Västerås
Must-Try: Semla
The Semla, also known as the Shrove Bun, is one of Sweden’s most popular treats, especially around Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday), but it’s delicious year-round. At Södermalm Café, I had the privilege of trying one of the best Semlor I’ve ever tasted.
Description: A Semla consists of a soft, cardamom-flavored bun filled with almond paste and topped with whipped cream. The bun is slightly sweet, and the almond paste provides a rich and nutty contrast, while the whipped cream adds a light, airy touch. It’s typically served in a bowl of warm milk, which is a traditional Swedish way of enjoying it, though you can also eat it on its own.
Price: SEK 45-55 per bun.
Why Visit: Södermalm Café is an unassuming gem with a cozy ambiance. The Semlor here are famous for being fresh and generously filled with cream and almond paste. It’s a must-try, especially if you’re in Västerås during the winter months.
Booking Tips & Discounts: This café can get quite busy during the Fat Tuesday rush, so I recommend arriving early or making a reservation if you’re visiting during that time. For better deals and reservations, you can always check Bookatable, a great platform for securing dining reservations in Sweden.
4. Chokladboll (Chocolate Balls) – Västerås Chokladfabrik
Address: Lilla Torget 5, 722 14 Västerås
Must-Try: Chokladboll
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, Chokladboll (chocolate balls) is a Swedish treat that you absolutely must try. These no-bake, energy-packed balls are made with oats, cocoa powder, sugar, butter, and a hint of coffee, then rolled in coconut flakes. The texture is wonderfully chewy, and the cocoa flavor is intense, yet balanced by the coconut.
Description: Chokladboll is a beloved Swedish snack, and Västerås Chokladfabrik specializes in handcrafting these delightful treats. Their Chokladbollar are rich and indulgent, with a delightful balance of sweetness and cocoa bitterness. They are perfect for a quick dessert fix after a meal.
Price: SEK 25-35 per ball.
Why Visit: Västerås Chokladfabrik is a small, artisanal chocolate shop that specializes in high-quality chocolates and Swedish sweets. Their Chokladbollar are made with premium ingredients and are always fresh. The shop is cozy and perfect for picking up a little gift for someone special, or just treating yourself.
Booking Tips & Discounts: The shop doesn’t require reservations, but you can find special offers or discounts through platforms like Groupon for local experiences in Västerås, which sometimes include exclusive deals for chocolate lovers.
5. Tarte Tatin (Caramelized Apple Tart) – Restaurant Dalarna
Address: Dalarna 12, 722 11 Västerås
Must-Try: Tarte Tatin
For those who love a bit of French influence in their desserts, Tarte Tatin at Restaurant Dalarna is an absolute must-try. This French classic has become quite popular in Sweden, and the version at Dalarna is truly outstanding.
Description: The Tarte Tatin is a caramelized upside-down apple tart, with the apples cooked in butter and sugar before being covered in pastry and baked until golden brown. The caramelized apples create a sweet, gooey layer, and the crispy pastry adds the perfect contrast.
Price: SEK 95-120 per serving.
Why Visit: Restaurant Dalarna offers a refined dining experience, and their Tarte Tatin is one of the highlights. The dessert is beautifully presented, and the caramelized apples are cooked to perfection, making each bite a delightful experience.
Booking Tips & Discounts: I recommend making a reservation through TheFork to ensure you get a spot, especially on weekends. TheFork often offers discounts for early bookings.
6. Blåbärspaj (Blueberry Pie) – Fika på Lilla Torget
Address: Lilla Torget 3, 722 13 Västerås
Must-Try: Blåbärspaj
For a more rustic Swedish dessert, Blåbärspaj (blueberry pie) is an excellent choice. This dessert highlights Sweden’s love for fresh berries, and at Fika på Lilla Torget, the pie is made with locally sourced blueberries, ensuring both freshness and flavor.
Description: The pie is made with a buttery, flaky crust and filled with sweet, slightly tart blueberries. It’s often served warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the richness of the pie crust.
Price: SEK 40-50 per slice.
Why Visit: Fika på Lilla Torget offers a perfect spot for enjoying this comforting dessert, with a cozy atmosphere and friendly service. The blueberry
pie is a favorite among locals, and it’s a great way to taste Swedish berry goodness.
Booking Tips & Discounts: As a popular fika spot, Fika på Lilla Torget doesn’t require reservations, but it can get crowded during peak hours. For those looking for great dessert deals, check Tripadvisor for any user reviews mentioning special promotions or discounts.
7. Ostkaka (Swedish Cheesecake) – Värdshuset Lilla Gästis
Address: Västgötagatan 12, 722 17 Västerås
Must-Try: Ostkaka
Ostkaka, or Swedish cheesecake, is different from the traditional American cheesecake. It’s lighter, made from curdled milk, and often served warm. The version at Värdshuset Lilla Gästis is especially delightful.
Description: Ostkaka is slightly tangy with a soft, almost custard-like texture. It’s typically served with lingonberry jam and whipped cream, making for a perfectly balanced dessert.
Price: SEK 80-100 per slice.
Why Visit: Värdshuset Lilla Gästis is known for its traditional Swedish food, and their Ostkaka is a real treat. The ambiance of the restaurant complements the rustic nature of the dessert, providing a genuine Swedish dining experience.
Booking Tips & Discounts: This place is very popular, especially in the summer. Booking through Reseplaneraren for any travel packages in Västerås could also help secure dining reservations during peak times.
8. Hallonmousse (Raspberry Mousse) – Café Mörby
Address: Mörbylånga 22, 722 16 Västerås
Must-Try: Hallonmousse
For those who enjoy lighter, fruit-based desserts, the Hallonmousse (raspberry mousse) at Café Mörby is a refreshing choice.
Description: This dessert is a delicate mousse made from fresh raspberries, offering a sweet and tangy flavor. It’s topped with whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries, creating a beautifully light dessert that isn’t too heavy after a big meal.
Price: SEK 40-55 per serving.
Why Visit: Café Mörby offers a relaxing, quiet environment for enjoying a dessert, and the Hallonmousse is a favorite for those seeking something light and fruity.
Booking Tips & Discounts: You can easily book a table through Booking.com or OpenTable, where you might find special offers for early reservations.
The Sweet Heart of Västerås
Västerås may not be the largest city in Sweden, but when it comes to desserts, it certainly packs a punch. From traditional Swedish classics like Prinsesstårta and Semla to innovative takes on international desserts like Tarte Tatin, the city offers a diverse range of sweet treats that are perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Each of the places I’ve recommended has its own unique charm and character, making them well worth a visit whether you’re a local or a tourist. And with platforms like TheFork, Groupon, and Reseplaneraren offering easy ways to book, find discounts, and get the best deals, exploring these sweet spots has never been easier.
So, whether you’re spending a day in Västerås or enjoying a leisurely fika, make sure to indulge in these mouth-watering desserts. I can’t wait to hear about your own sweet experiences in this lovely Swedish city!
