Ah, Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels — I still remember the first time I whipped up this cozy Scandinavian sweet treat in my kitchen. I was trying to find a way to bring a little extra joy and comfort to our hectic afternoons, when homework fights and snack cravings collide. The idea came from a friend’s recommendation to try a coffee cake caramel recipe she loved, thinking it would blend the warmth of coffee cake flavors with the rich, chewy goodness of caramel candy. Honestly, I was a little nervous — I’d never tackled coffee-flavored caramels before! But soon enough, the sweet, buttery aroma taking over the kitchen told me this was a comfort food win for my family.
Seeing my kids’ eyes light up with each bite confirmed that Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels are more than a treat — they’re a small moment of calm in the joyful chaos of our days. This recipe fits perfectly with how I want to feed my family: simple, satisfying, and made with heart, without adding stress to my already busy schedule. Plus, these coffee cake inspired confections remind me of Scandinavian sweet treats I discovered during a trip, blending tradition with ease in a way any busy mom can appreciate.
If you, fellow comfort seekers, are looking for a sweet fix that feels like a warm hug and keeps your family smiling, these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels might just become your go-to. Let’s dive into the kind of comfort food magic we can make without overwhelming our already full days!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
For these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels, keeping it simple is key — trust me, busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 1 cup granulated sugar: The foundation of our caramel candy.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds a rich molasses depth to our coffee cake caramel recipe.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes those coffee-flavored caramels irresistibly creamy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pats): Brings a smooth buttery note just like the best Scandinavian sweet treats.
- 1/4 cup strong brewed coffee: The secret ingredient for that true Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels flavor.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Balances the coffee’s richness.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Highlights all the sweet flavors in the caramel candy.
- Optional: 1/2 tsp ground cardamom: A lovely Scandinavian spice accent that gives an extra cozy touch.
No worries if you don’t have cardamom on hand — I swap it for a bit of cinnamon when my family wants a softer, homey flavor. You can find all these simple ingredients right at your regular grocery store. Plus, if the budget’s tight, swap heavy cream for half-and-half to keep things wallet-friendly without losing much comfort. I love using fresh coffee beans to brew the coffee since it adds more depth, but instant brewed coffee works too — whatever fits your kitchen rhythm!
A little comfort hack from my kitchen: cut your butter into small cubes before measuring; it melts faster and helps speed up your caramel cooking. It’s these small tricks that make comforting, homemade Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels manageable when time is short!
If you want to try something new alongside this coffee cake caramel recipe, you might also adore the butternut squash apple coffee cake, another family favorite that pairs so well with an afternoon cup.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Ready to turn these ingredients into magic? Here’s my step-by-step guide to making your own Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels without stress or fuss.
- Set the stage: Grab a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Combine granulated sugar and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir gently until sugars melt and start bubbling — this is the start of your Swedish caramel candy journey!
- Add butter: Toss in the butter cubes one at a time, letting each melt fully. Your kitchen will start smelling like cozy Scandinavian sweet treats already.
- Stir in cream and coffee: Slowly pour in the heavy cream and brewed coffee, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble vigorously — don’t panic, this is part of the caramel magic taking shape.
- Flavor time: Drop in vanilla extract, salt, and cardamom (if using). Stir until everything is smooth and shiny, your coffee-flavored caramels are almost ready!
- Cook to the right temp: Use a candy thermometer to get the mixture to firm-ball stage (around 245-250°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small spoonful into very cold water — if it forms a ball you can shape with your fingers, it’s ready!
- Pour and cool: Pour your Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels mixture into a lined baking pan. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Cut and wrap: Once firm, cut into bite-sized squares. I wrap mine in little parchment squares — a presentation trick that makes these coffee cake inspired confections feel extra special.
While your Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels are cooking, perfect time to prep tomorrow’s school lunches or sip a comforting cup of tea. If you’re curious about other easy sweet treats the kids enjoy, try this Strawberry Shortcake Cake Recipe — it’s a great partner for a coffee break!
A common worry is that your caramel might seem sticky or soft — don’t fret! The refrigeration step is your best friend for perfect cutting and handling. Also, if you want a shortcut, you can prep the caramel base a day ahead to spread out the kitchen work. Trust me, this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels comfort hack changed our family’s dinnertime.
Remember, each batch you make teaches you more about timing and texture. Your family will get hooked on the warm, coffee-filled sweetness with every chewy bite!
How We Love to Eat This!
Our family has found so many ways to enjoy these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels. The kids are obsessed when I serve them alongside a simple apple slice or a warm mug of milk — it feels like snack time magic. The chewy texture and sweet coffee flavor pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt dip.
These coffee cake inspired confections shine during chilly afternoons, especially when we have guests. A quick plate of Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels always impresses friends without keeping me tied to the stove. For easy presentation, I like to arrange them on a wooden board, sprinkled with a tiny pinch of sea salt — it makes these Swedish caramel candies pop!
Leftovers? Oh yes, because we always have them. I stash mine in the fridge wrapped snugly to keep them fresh. If you want a seasonal twist, try adding a hint of orange zest or swapping the coffee for chai in the caramel — so cozy for fall!
If you’re hunting for more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Halloween No-Bake Icebox Cake — it’s a fun treat that pairs perfectly after a batch of these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
1. Is this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels filling enough for growing kids?
Absolutely! The butter, cream, and sugar combo gives a hearty chew that keeps little tummies happy between meals. My kids find it a satisfying snack alongside fruit or their school lunch.
2. What if my picky eater won’t try this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels?
Try involving them in the cooking — kids often love treats they help make. Also, soften the coffee flavor or skip the cardamom to keep it simple. Sometimes pairing with a familiar fruit or yogurt helps them warm up to it.
3. Can I meal prep this Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels for busy weeks ahead?
Definitely! These keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks. I usually make a batch on Sundays and we nibble throughout the week. Perfect emergency snack for last-minute afternoon cravings.
4. Do I need a candy thermometer for coffee cake caramel recipe?
A thermometer helps with precision, but the cold water test works well if you don’t have one. It’s a great way to build confidence making Swedish coffee cake caramels.
5. Can I substitute coffee with something else for a kid-friendly version?
Yes! Chai tea or warm black tea work beautifully, offering that Scandinavian sweet treat feel without the caffeine punch.
6. Where can I find inspiration for more Scandinavian sweet treats?
I love browsing Shop | Universal Yums for authentic treats that inspire my kitchen. Also, this recipe for Swedish Ischoklad Christmas Candies is a family favorite during holidays.
7. Is this recipe budget-friendly?
For sure! It uses basic ingredients you probably already have. This Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, which is perfect when feeding the whole family.
Final Thoughts:
This Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels recipe fits beautifully into my family’s comfort food goals, delivering sweet moments without headache or fuss. The combination of butter, coffee, and vanilla brings an embrace of flavor that reminds us to pause and savor together.
My Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels Comfort Hacks:
– Always prepare the caramel mixture ahead — it saves time on busy days.
– Wrap individual pieces in parchment for easy grab-and-go snacks.
– Experiment with spices like cardamom or cinnamon to suit your family’s tastes.
We’ve tried a few family-tested Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels variations, including adding chopped nuts for crunch, swapping coffee with chai, or dusting with a light sprinkle of sea salt. My husband loves the original coffee-flavored caramels, while my daughter prefers the cinnamon twist. That variety makes this simple comfort dish flexible for everyone around my table.
Fellow comfort seekers, I hope you give these Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels a try, adapting them to your family’s rhythm and flavor preferences. Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated — this healthy mix of tradition and ease brings joy and calm to our busy kitchen chaos. Here’s to many cozy bites ahead, and mealtime wins full of love and sweetness!
If you want even more cozy kitchen goodness, check out the recipe for Caramelized Peanut Coffee Cake by David Lebovitz — it’s a fantastic coffee cake caramel recipe variation that pairs well with the luxurious vibe of Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels.
Happy cooking, moms!
Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels
Delight in the rich, buttery sweetness of Swedish Coffee Cake Caramels, combining the classic flavors of cinnamon and brown sugar in a chewy treat that’s perfect for coffee breaks or gifting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 36 pieces
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Swedish
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a heavy saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, and salt.
- Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Attach a candy thermometer and cook without stirring until the temperature reaches 245°F (soft ball stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and ground cinnamon.
- Pour the caramel mixture into the prepared pan and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Once set, cut into small squares and wrap individually if desired.
Notes
For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the caramels before they set for a salted caramel variation.