Oh, fellow nutrition-seekers, let me share how Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels stormed into my busy kitchen and quickly became a family favorite! The first time I made these luscious homemade caramel candies, I was chasing a sweet yet nourishing treat that could both satisfy my kids’ sugar cravings and support their energy without a sugar crash.
I stumbled upon this Swedish caramel recipe while scrolling through a cozy site called Bakers Brigade, known for its Scandinavian sweet treats. I was instantly intrigued by how this recipe captures coffee cake’s cinnamon-spiced warmth in easy, bite-sized caramels. It felt like the perfect solution for our afternoon snack battles.
I remember stirring the pot, watching the sugar and butter melt away into golden swirls of heaven. When I handed out the first bite, my kids paused — then smiled wide. “This is different, Mom. But good different!” My husband, who usually shies from sweets, asked for seconds. It was that moment I realized these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels were not just candy, but a sly nutrition win. The gentle cinnamon and buttery oats in the recipe added fiber and antioxidants, supporting my family’s wellness journey one chewy caramel at a time.
These coffee cake flavored caramels give us a little morale boost and dinnertime nutrition wins on hectic days. They remind me that homemade treats can be both nourishing and delightful without overwhelming recipes or exotic ingredients. For fellow busy moms looking for a simple, nourishing snack to brighten their family’s day, this Swedish caramel recipe is like a warm hug in chewy form.
If you want to peek at the Bakers Brigade’s version of these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels, check here. It’s a trustworthy resource for safely indulging in Scandinavian sweet treats at home. Oh, and if you’re intrigued by other comforting sweet ideas, you might love my Candy Corn Poke Cake or these Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, perfect companions for seasonal wellness and simple nutrition wins.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Trust me, this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels ingredient list keeps it simple, because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! Here’s what you’ll gather to make your kitchen smell like a cozy Scandinavian bakery:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (choose organic if you want a little less processing)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (adds that buttery richness and fat for sustained energy)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for creaminess and calcium; substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free versions)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats, finely ground (for fiber and gentle sweetness)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (a fabulous antioxidant and family favorite!)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for warmth and flavor depth)
- 1/4 tsp salt (balances the sweetness)
No worries if you don’t have rolled oats on hand—I often swap with oat flour for extra fiber in my Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store’s baking aisle or bulk bins. This Swedish caramel recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive or intimidating.

A bonus hack? Toast the oats lightly before grinding for a nuttier flavor and a touch more nutrition. My family gets extra wellness when I add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for subtle complexity. That’s the beauty of these coffee cake flavored caramels—they adapt to pantry staples and family tastes.
If you’re curious about similar Scandinavian sweet treats, you might enjoy the Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels recipe on Bakers Brigade or dive into traditional Swedish Christmas Knäck through this lovely community recipe post on Facebook. You’ll find real moms loving these recipes as much as I do!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to create your own batch of Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels? Let’s walk through the steps together. Remember, this is about sanity-saving nutrition in your nourishing chaos. You got this!
- Prep your pan by lining an 8×8 inch dish with parchment paper. This helps you lift the caramels easily once set.
- Toast and grind your oats (if using whole rolled oats). This is a little nutrition hack that adds fiber and a subtle nutty note to your Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sugar, stirring constantly. This step is where the magic starts. Your kitchen will fill with the cozy scent of caramelizing sugar mixed with butter.
- Stir in cream, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly and coats a spoon — this is your coffee cake flavored caramel base coming to life!
- Add ground oats, stirring thoroughly to combine. The oats bring a unique texture and a nourishing twist to these Swedish dessert caramels.
- Pour the mixture quickly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. This is where pacing matters. If you wait too long, the candy sets prematurely.
- Let it cool thoroughly at room temperature before cutting into squares. While you wait, it’s perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch or check on the kids’ homework.
- Cut into bite-sized pieces, wrap in parchment for storing or gift-giving.
In my busy kitchen, making these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels usually takes about 20-25 minutes active time plus setting. This low fuss timing fits nicely into any afternoon when energy lags and snack options fall short.
Here’s a little tip from my experience: don’t fret if the caramels look a bit grainy at first. That’s from using whole oats rather than smooth flours — a texture some family members actually love. This recipe taught me that homemade caramel candies don’t need to be perfect to be a nutrition win.
If you want the full picture on traditional caramel candy technique intertwined with Scandinavian flair, look into this Parlans Caramels tutorial by David Lebovitz. His guidance inspires me every time I make these coffee cake flavored caramels.
How We Love to Eat This!
Oh, the joy when I bring out a plate of Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels at our family snack time! Kids devour this nutritious treat when paired with simple, fresh fruits like apple slices or a handful of nuts. These combos add fiber and good fats to round out the treat.
We’ve found these homemade caramel candies complement an after-school smoothie or a cup of warm milk to keep everyone’s energy steady before dinner. Sometimes, I serve them alongside a small bowl of homemade yogurt topped with cinnamon—keeping the seasoning theme going while adding probiotics.
These coffee cake flavored caramels work wonderfully at little family celebrations, school events, or as a hostess gift wrapped in parchment. Presentation tip: sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before setting for an irresistible salty-sweet balance that even my pickiest eaters love.
If you have leftovers (and you always will), store them in an airtight container for up to two weeks. This keeps the nutrition intact and makes grab-and-go nutrition effortless. Bonus, I sometimes toss a few pieces into lunchboxes for a sweet burst that stays wholesome.
Seasonal twists? I’ve tried adding orange zest around the holidays or a splash of cardamom for winter warmth—both favorites for Scandinavian sweet treats!
Many friends have told me their families enjoy this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels just as much as mine. And if your kids adore these, don’t miss my Halloween Cookie Cake, which is a crowd-pleaser with a nutrition-friendly spin.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: Is this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels really nutritious enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The oats add fiber, cinnamon brings antioxidants, and the butter and cream offer good fat for sustained energy. It’s a balanced treat that fuels without the spike and crash from processed candy.
Q2: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels?
Try involving them in making it! Kids love rolling up their sleeves and the hands-on experience often breaks resistance. Also, pairing these caramels with familiar fruits or nuts can ease them in.
Q3: Can I meal prep this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels for busy weeks ahead?
Totally! Store in an airtight container, and it stays fresh up to two weeks. Cut into small portions for easy snack packing. The homemade caramel candies hold their texture well.
Q4: Can I substitute dairy in this Swedish caramel recipe?
Yes! I sometimes swap heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that keeps the coffee cake flavored caramels lush and creamy.
Q5: Will cinnamon flavor be too strong for kids?
Not at all. It’s gentle and comforting, not overpowering. It actually helps balance sweetness and adds a subtle spice kids usually enjoy.
Q6: Are these Swedish dessert caramels complicated to make?
Nope. This recipe is straightforward with minimal ingredients and steps—perfect for busy parents craving quick wholesome treats.
Q7: Can I customize this recipe with other flavors?
Definitely! Some moms add cardamom or a pinch of nutmeg for seasonal Scandinavian sweet treats variations. I love mixing it up based on what’s in my spice cabinet and family preferences.
If you’re looking for more simple nutrition inspiration to pair with Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels, check out Candy Corn Poke Cake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, or the Halloween Cookie Cake on Busy Mom Simple Nutrition. These recipes help keep our family’s nourishing chaos joyful and manageable.
Final Thoughts:
Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels totally support my family’s nutrition goals by blending wholesome fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidant-rich spices into a treat that feels indulgent, not guilty. It fits right into our rhythm of dinnertime nutrition wins and after-school snack success.
My Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels Nutrition Hacks:
- Swap regular oats for oat flour or ground flaxseed to boost fiber without changing texture.
- Add a pinch of warming spices like cardamom or nutmeg for extra antioxidants.
- Use coconut cream and oil swaps for dairy-free families while keeping nutrition on point.
Family-tested variations include a nutty version with chopped almonds mixed in, a dairy-free coconut twist, and a spiced orange zest batch my youngest requests every winter.
Big kids love the nutty version, while littles adore the classic cinnamon flavor. I encourage you to make this nourishing Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels your own way.
I hope this recipe brings your family simple nutrition and happy moments amid the beautiful chaos of busy days. If this treat fits your family’s taste buds and wellness goals, please share your experience! Remember, supporting our children’s nutrition doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated—this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels is proof.
For more simple nutrition ideas that make busy family life sweeter and healthier, you might love checking out these recipes: Candy Corn Poke Cake, Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, and Halloween Cookie Cake. You and your family deserve these little moments of wholesome joy.

For all my fellow busy moms who want that perfect balance of sweet and nourishing, the Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels is a cozy, doable recipe you’ll return to again and again. If you need extra inspiration or want to see more Scandinavian sweet treats, these links will be your new best friends:
- Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels – Bakers Brigade
- Parlans Caramels – David Lebovitz
- Recipe for Swedish Christmas Knäck on Facebook
Happy cooking and even happier snacking!
Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels
Delight in these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels, combining rich buttery caramel with the warm, cinnamon-spiced flavors reminiscent of traditional Swedish coffee cake. Perfect as a sweet treat or gift.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving edges hanging over for easy removal.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color.
- Carefully add butter pieces and stir until melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring; the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Stir in cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and vanilla extract.
- Bring mixture to a boil and cook until a candy thermometer reads 245°F (118°C) for soft caramels.
- Pour caramel into prepared pan and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Once set, lift caramel from pan using parchment edges and cut into squares.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Notes
For an extra touch, wrap each caramel square in wax paper to keep them fresh and non-sticky.

