If you’ve ever craved a chocolate dessert that’s rich, irresistibly gooey inside, yet crisp on top, then you are absolutely going to adore the Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe. This timeless Scandinavian treat makes a perfect quick bake that bursts with deep chocolate flavor, hugging you with every bite. The magic lies in its simplicity: with just a handful of everyday ingredients, you create a wonderfully sticky cake that’s just as delightful eaten warm as it is chilled. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become your go-to chocolate fix for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe is that it calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: butter brings richness and moisture, eggs provide structure and softness, cocoa powder delivers that intense chocolate flavor, and vanilla sugar adds a subtle warmth that rounds everything out perfectly.
- 3 eggs: These bind the cake and give it that soft, tender crumb that’s so addictive.
- 11 tablespoons butter: Melted butter infuses the cake with buttery richness and helps create that glossy, crisp top.
- 1 and 1/4 cups sugar: Sweetness that balances the cocoa’s bitterness for a perfectly indulgent treat.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Just enough flour to hold everything together without making it cakey.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or extract): Adds a subtle, cozy note that enhances the chocolate.
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder: The heart of the cake, delivering deep, velvety chocolate flavor.
- Powdered sugar for decoration: A light dusting to add a gentle sweetness and pretty finish before serving.
How to Make Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line the bottom of your cake pan with baking paper and grease the sides well. This ensures your cake will come out smoothly after baking, and the classic crispy edges can shine.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
Melt the butter gently and let it cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs when combined. Then, stir in the sugar and crack in the eggs. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and glossy — this step sets the base for that luscious texture.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla sugar. Add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, then gently stir with a spoon until you have a smooth batter. Avoid overmixing; you want to keep the batter light to achieve that perfect gooey center.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for about 20 minutes. The key here is to watch closely — the top should be set and have developed a delicate crust, but the inside should remain wonderfully sticky. If you prefer it a bit more or less gooey, adjust baking time by a few minutes accordingly.
Step 5: Cool and Decorate
Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Then sprinkle generously with powdered sugar to add that pretty, classic touch. For the best texture, chill your Kladdkaka before slicing and serving — chilled, it holds its shape beautifully while still melting in your mouth.
How to Serve Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is traditional and beautiful, but for an extra special touch, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream make perfect companions. The tang of berries or creaminess of ice cream cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious balance.
Side Dishes
Though the cake shines on its own, serving it alongside a lightly brewed coffee or a tall glass of milk can elevate the experience. Many swear by pairing Kladdkaka with a dollop of crème fraîche or a drizzle of raspberry sauce for an added layer of luxury.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try slicing the Kladdkaka into small squares and arranging them on a beautiful platter with assorted toppings nearby, letting guests customize their treats. Or serve individual portions topped with edible flowers or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for texture contrast that impresses visually and in taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe keeps exceptionally well. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of its moist texture, it stays soft and delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy a homemade treat anytime.
Freezing
Planning ahead? You can freeze this cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, you have a decadent dessert ready whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
To revive the warm gooeyness, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low-temperature oven. Serve immediately with your favorite garnish, and it will feel like freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
What makes Kladdkaka different from regular chocolate cake?
Kladdkaka stands out because of its unique texture—crispy on top but incredibly sticky and gooey inside. Unlike traditional cakes that are fully baked through and fluffy, Kladdkaka is intentionally baked to keep a molten center, making it a comforting chocolate indulgence.
Can I use regular sugar instead of vanilla sugar?
Absolutely! If you don’t have vanilla sugar on hand, regular granulated sugar will work. You can also substitute with a teaspoon of vanilla extract to maintain that lovely vanilla aroma that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Is this cake gluten-free?
As it stands, the recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that are suitable for baking to make it gluten-free, keeping in mind texture might vary slightly.
How do you achieve the gooey center without undercooking the cake?
The key lies in the baking time and temperature. Baking at 175°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes allows the exterior to set and form a crust while the inside stays moist and sticky. It may take a little trial for your oven, but watching the cake closely towards the end will help you get it perfect.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this Kladdkaka recipe?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts or even tossing in some chocolate chips can add delightful texture contrasts. Just fold them into the batter before baking to incorporate those extra flavor bursts.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves chocolate and simple homemade desserts. It’s a humble cake with a rich personality and a perfect balance of textures that feel cozy and a little bit fancy at the same time. Grab those ingredients, follow these steps, and prepare to impress yourself and everyone you share it with!
Print
Kladdkaka – Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
Description
Kladdkaka, a classic Swedish sticky chocolate cake, features a delectably crisp top and a rich, gooey chocolate center. This simple yet indulgent dessert is quick to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and baking for a short time. Perfect for chocolate lovers craving a moist, dense cake that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Cake
- 3 eggs
- 11 tbsp butter
- 1 and 1/4 cups sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla sugar (or extract)
- 6 tbsp cocoa powder
Decoration
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line the bottom of a cake pan with baking paper and grease the sides to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Combine: Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Stir in the sugar and eggs thoroughly until well mixed to form a smooth base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla sugar. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a spoon until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for about 20 minutes. Adjust baking time slightly depending on your preference for gooeyness in the center.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cake to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar. For best results, chill the cake in the refrigerator before slicing and serving to enhance the gooey texture.
Notes
- Do not overbake; the gooey center is key to this cake’s texture.
- The cake improves when chilled, so refrigeration before serving is recommended.
- Vanilla sugar can be replaced with vanilla extract if preferred.
- Use a loose-bottom or springform pan for easier removal.
- Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
