15 Sweet Treats You Must Try in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is not only known for its charming streets and beautiful architecture but also for its delicious selection of sweet treats. Whether you’re wandering through cozy cafés or exploring local markets, you’ll find a variety of pastries and desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth.
From buttery Danish pastries to unique local delights, this city offers a little something for every kind of dessert lover. Here are 15 sweet treats you must try when visiting Copenhagen!
Danish Pastry (Wienerbrød)
The Danish pastry, or “Wienerbrød,” is the most iconic treat you’ll find in Copenhagen. These flaky, buttery delights come in a variety of flavors, often filled with custard, jam, or chocolate. They are perfect for breakfast or a mid-day snack, paired with a hot cup of coffee. The crispy layers and soft interior make every bite heavenly. You can find them in almost any bakery across the city. Don’t leave Copenhagen without tasting at least one of these!
Kanelsnegl (Cinnamon Roll)
A Kanelsnegl, or Danish cinnamon roll, is a sweet spiral of dough coated in cinnamon sugar and sometimes topped with icing. It’s a beloved treat among locals and visitors alike. Unlike the typical cinnamon rolls found elsewhere, Danish Kanelsnegl is denser with a rich, buttery flavor. You’ll find them in bakeries across Copenhagen, perfect for enjoying with your afternoon coffee. The scent of cinnamon alone will draw you in!
Flødeboller (Chocolate-Covered Marshmallow Treats)
Flødeboller are light, fluffy marshmallow treats covered in a layer of chocolate and often placed on a wafer base. They can be found in both dark and milk chocolate varieties, and some are topped with coconut flakes. These little delights are a common favorite in Copenhagen and make for an excellent gift to take home. You can find them in grocery stores, bakeries, and even some specialty shops. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!
Kardemommesnurre (Cardamom Bun)
If you love spices, then Kardemommesnurre, a cardamom bun, is a must-try. It’s a twisted bun flavored with aromatic cardamom, giving it a sweet and slightly spicy taste. The soft, buttery dough combined with the unique flavor of cardamom makes this pastry stand out. Locals often enjoy it with coffee, making it a great choice for a morning or afternoon treat. The beautiful twists of the dough are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Æbleskiver (Danish Pancake Balls)
Æbleskiver are round, fluffy pancake balls that are often served during the Christmas season. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, traditionally served with powdered sugar and jam. While they are a holiday favorite, you can find them year-round at various cafés and markets. They’re a fun and delicious snack to share with friends or family. Be sure to dip them in both the sugar and jam for the ultimate experience.
Romkugler (Rum Balls)
Romkugler are small, round treats made from leftover cake, mixed with cocoa powder, and rum essence, and rolled in sprinkles or coconut. Despite their humble beginnings as a way to use up old cake, Romkugler is incredibly popular in Copenhagen.
They are rich and indulgent, with a soft, dense texture. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it a favorite for those who enjoy something a little stronger in taste. You’ll often find them in bakeries, and they make for a perfect bite-sized treat.
Lagkage (Layer Cake)
Lagkage is a traditional Danish layer cake made with layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, and fruit or jam. It’s often enjoyed during birthdays or special occasions but is also available in many bakeries and cafés. The combination of light, fluffy cake, and sweet cream creates a delightful balance. Each bakery may have its twist on the recipe, offering different fillings like chocolate or marzipan. It’s a must-try for cake lovers!
Spandauer (Custard Danish)
The Spandauer is another classic Danish pastry, typically filled with sweet custard or jam in the center. The pastry is flaky and golden, with the custard providing a creamy, sweet contrast. You’ll often find it topped with a light icing, adding an extra touch of sweetness. It’s a popular breakfast pastry and pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. If you want to sample a classic Danish pastry that’s not too heavy, this is the one to try.
Rabarbergrød (Rhubarb Pudding)
Rabarbergrød is a refreshing, slightly tart dessert made from stewed rhubarb, often served with cream or milk. It’s a simple yet delicious treat, trendy during the summer months when rhubarb is in season.
The texture is similar to a thick pudding or compote, and the flavor is both sweet and tangy. It’s a traditional Danish dessert that you’ll find in many local restaurants or homemade in Danish households. Perfect for those who enjoy fruity desserts!
Fastelavnsboller (Shrovetide Buns)
Fastelavnsboller are sweet buns filled with cream, custard, or jam, which are traditionally eaten during the Shrovetide season in February. They come in many varieties, some topped with icing and others with powdered sugar. These buns are soft, light, and incredibly satisfying. While they’re usually a seasonal treat, some bakeries offer them year-round due to their popularity. Watch for these delicious buns if you’re visiting Copenhagen in winter.
Risalamande (Rice Pudding with Almonds)
Risalamande is a Danish rice pudding dessert served with whipped cream and chopped almonds, traditionally enjoyed during Christmas. It’s usually topped with warm cherry sauce, adding a rich, fruity contrast to the creamy pudding. This dessert is beloved by many Danes, especially during the holidays. It’s creamy, slightly nutty, and perfectly balanced by the tart cherry sauce. Even if it’s not Christmas, some restaurants offer it year-round.
Drømmekage (Dream Cake)
Drømmekage, or “Dream Cake,” is a simple but delicious sponge cake topped with a coconut and brown sugar caramel mixture. The topping creates a sweet, crunchy contrast to the soft cake beneath it.
The cake’s origins trace back to a Danish home-baking tradition, and it’s still widely enjoyed today. It’s a popular treat at cafés and bakeries and perfect for a mid-afternoon snack. The rich caramelized coconut topping is what makes this cake truly unforgettable.
Hindbærsnitte (Raspberry Slice)
Hindbærsnitte is a simple yet tasty treat made of two layers of buttery pastry filled with raspberry jam and topped with icing and sprinkles. It’s similar to a pop-tart but much more indulgent and flavorful. The sweet and tangy raspberry jam pairs perfectly with the rich pastry, and the colorful sprinkles add a playful touch. You can find them in most Danish bakeries, and they’re a popular snack among children and adults alike.
Kransekage (Marzipan Cake)
Kransekage is a tower of almond-based marzipan rings often served at weddings, New Year’s Eve, or other celebrations. It has a chewy, dense texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. The rings are stacked on top of each other to create a cone-shaped cake, which is both delicious and visually impressive. It’s a traditional Danish celebration cake, but you can find smaller versions in many bakeries throughout Copenhagen.
Gammeldags Æblekage (Old-Fashioned Apple Cake)
Gammeldags Æblekage is a traditional Danish apple dessert made with layers of stewed apples, crushed cookies, and whipped cream. It’s not quite a cake in the traditional sense but more of a layered apple parfait. The sweet and tangy apples combined with the crunchy cookies and light whipped cream make it an irresistible dessert. You’ll find it served in many Danish homes and cafés, especially in the autumn months when apples are in season.
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