Kladdkaka, the Swedish chocolate cake

Kladdkaka is a famous Swedish chocolate cake also known as the Swedish sticky cake. If you’re looking for a sticky and gooey chocolate cake, this is what you want. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this Swedish cake is perfect to quickly fix a chocolate craving without too much effort or kitchen equipment. You just need a bowl and a fork.

Kladdkaka is a very easy Swedish cake recipe. You obviously need an oven for it, but as for other equipment, it’s rather basic. All you need to do is to lightly whisk the ingredients with a fork, pour the batter into a pan and bake. The use of a hand mixer is not necessary, and not recommended either!

A slice of Swedish chocolate cake on a purple plate.

What’s so special about this cake is its unique texture. The name derives from the Swedish word kladdig which means sticky, messy. Kladdkaka means sticky cake – or messy cake. Uncut, it looks like a rather harmless low chocolate cake. But cut out a slice and you will understand its name. Under that slightly crispy skin kladdkaka hides a unique ooey gooey texture.

The Swedish chocolate cake

Kladdkaka is most likely one of the most famous Swedish cakes. Number one is probably Princesstårta (here as mini-prinsesstårta), a scrumptious sponge cake filled with whipped cream and covered in green marzipan. But the Swedish chocolate cake kladdkaka makes a close second.

In fact, prinsesstårta is more of a festive cake. It’s the kind of cake you buy for a birthday or some other sort of celebration. Kladdkaka, instead, is an everyday cake. Nobody whips up a complicated layered cake covered in marzipan to fix a quick craving. But kladdkaka comes together in 20 minutes. And tastes like chocolate. Actually, I think who tops the podium of Swedish cakes is in fact kladdkaka! Move over, princess cake!

Sliced kladdkaka.

Kladdkaka recipe

A chocolate cake ready in less than 30 minutes that does not require an electric mixer. How do you like the sound of that? Here’s what you will need to make it:

 ingredients needed to make kladdkaka.

For detailed quantities please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post. As for the equipment, you just need a bowl and a fork. Well, and an oven, of course.

How to make kladdkaka

  • Crack the eggs in a bowl and add the sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Whisk with a fork until homogeneous, 2-3 minutes.
  • Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the egg mixture and start whisking by hand using the same fork.
  • In the meantime, melt the butter. Then pour the melted butter into the mixture and stir until homogeneous.

Kladdkaka cake batter mixed witha fork.

  • Do not overmix. As soon as the mixture is homogeneous, there is no need for extra stirring. You could use a hand mixer at low speed, but it’s not recommended.
  • Transfer the cake batter to a springform pan (24 cm diameter) lined with baking paper.
  • Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 17 minutes, or until the sides look set but the centre is still wobbly.
  • Take the cake out of the oven and let it set for 5 minutes before removing it from the pan. It should firm up just lightly.
  • Top with a dusting of powdered sugar and serve it with some unsweetened whipped cream on the side (optional, but this is the traditional way of serving it).

Chocolate cake dusted with confectioner's sugar.

Is kladdkaka a brownie?

To some extent, kladdkaka resembles a brownie. Yet, it’s not quite the same thing. First of all, brownies are square, baked in a rectangular sheet pan. Kladdkaka is always baked in a round cake pan, and sliced like a cake. This means that each and every serving of kladdkaka always features both the gooey centre and some of the drier sides. Unlike brownies, that can be cut from the sides/corners or from the centre and have different textures (what’s your favourite?).

Another difference is in the fact that brownies are made with chocolate, although variations of the recipe exist with cocoa powder. The first chocolate brownie recipe from 1899 calls for chocolate and baking soda (source). Kladdkaka is always made with cocoa powder. And no leavening agent. Legend has it kladdkaka was invented during World War 2, during a shortage of baking powder in Sweden.

Kladdkaka may not be a brownie but it’s surely closely related. Just like brownie, kladdkaka delivers a fantastic chocolate flavour in a rich and fudgy form. It’s not uncommon to find brownies topped with chocolate chips, chopped nuts or blondie swirls. Kladdkaka is mostly found in its classic form, dusted with powdered sugar on top. But if you fancy a nice variation, you should try this cheesecake swirl kladdkaka!

A slice of kladdkaka being lifted on a cake spatula.

Tips and tricks

Do not overmix – in order to achieve the perfect sticky gooey texture you need to incorporate as little air as possible into the batter. This is why the use of a mixer is not recommended. Just whisk with a fork until the mixture is nicely homogeneous.

Do not overbake – The standard quantities in this recipe baked in a 24-cm round pan require about 17 minutes at 200°C in a static oven. Every oven is different, so in order to play safe I recommend to check your cake after 15 minutes. Take out your kladdkaka when the sides are set but the centre is still wobbly. The cake will set as it cools. Since this cake is meant to be gooey, the toothpick test in this recipe is useless.

Pair it with something special like:

Detail of the cut showing how gooey the cake is.

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Leave a comment below if you made this recipe! Would love to know if I helped you discover your new favourite cake (or your kids’ probably). If you’re planning to make kladdkaka at a later time, pin this recipe to Pinterest.

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Kladdkaka is a Swedish chocolate cake that requires only a bowl and a fork and is ready in less than 30 minutes. Kladdkaka is a sticky cake with a gooey texture and a deep chocolate flavour. Similar to a brownie, it is a favourite chocolate cake recipe in Sweden.

Swedish gooey cake kladdkaka.
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5 from 6 votes

Kladdkaka, the Swedish chocolate kake

Quickly whisked by hand and ready in less than 30 minutes, Swedish chocolate cake kladdkaka is gooey and rich. It might become your favourite chocolate cake recipe.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Swedish
Keyword brownie, chocolate cake, sticky cake, swedish
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 17 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 portions
Calories 396kcal
Author Eva | Electric Blue Food

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Springform pan (24 cm)
  • Spatula

Ingredients

  • 350 g sugar
  • 150 g butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 120 g flour
  • 45 g cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Crack the eggs in a bowl and add the sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Whisk with a fork until homogeneous, 2-3 minutes.
  • Sift the flour and cocoa powder into the egg mixture and start whisking by hand using the same flour.
  • Melt the butter and pour it into the mixture. Stir in until homogeneous. Do not overmix.
  • Transfer the cake batter to a springform pan (24 cm diameter) lined with baking paper. Bake in the preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for 17 minutes, or until the sides look set but the centre is still wobbly.
  • Take the kladdkaka out of the oven and let it set for 5 minutes before removing it from the pan. It should firm up just lightly.

Notes

  • Nutrition facts are an estimate based on the suggested serving size.
  • Top your kladdkaka with a dusting of powdered sugar and serve it with some unsweetened whipped cream on the side (optional, but this is the traditional way).
  • Do not overmix the batter. The use of a mixer at low speed is possible but not recommended, as the batter should be stirred as little as possible. Incorporating too much air may compromise the perfect gooey texture.
Nutrition Facts
Kladdkaka, the Swedish chocolate kake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 396 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 102mg34%
Sodium 305mg13%
Potassium 129mg4%
Carbohydrates 59g20%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 44g49%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 558IU11%
Calcium 23mg2%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Originally published in 2016; updated December 2020 with new images and better wording.

 

 

 

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33 Comments

  1. Rini September 27, 2016 at 01:05

    Sadly, the closest I have ever explored Swedish food was at Ikea. After looking at this delicious Kladdkaka, I’ll have to definitely explore further. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva September 27, 2016 at 19:48

      Ikea does a great job exporting Swedish taste in both interior design and food. Anyway Swedish cuisine may not be the most renown in the world but it has its glorious moments definitely worth exploring!

      Reply
      1. Harriet October 25, 2021 at 00:31

        This looks amazing but messy for a group gathering. What is your opinion on portioning into muffin pans, well greased with a circle of parchment on the bottom, shorter baking time, and when room temp carefully removing to a serving plate? Maybe a long narrow strip of parchment under the circle to help lift the finished cake from the muffin pan?

        Reply
        1. Eva October 25, 2021 at 08:47

          Hi Harriet! It’s definitely doable in a muffin tin but I’ve only seen it served in proper muffin cups. It does stick a lot to the sides of the paper so guests may have to suck the paper clean 😀 And it might not be too appealing. So I understand you would like to properly grease the sides instead to have cleaner portions. It could work – definitely with a circle of paper under and with two bands on the sides to help lift them up. Slightly longer baking time dries it up a little more, giving more strength. If it’s too runny you won’t be able to lift them whole from the pan. But once completely chilled kladdkaka does firm up! So chilling could be worth before attempting to take them out from the pan. Good luck!

          Reply
  2. Tasty Eats Ronit Penso September 27, 2016 at 01:51

    Looks like a chocoholic’s dream! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva September 27, 2016 at 20:03

      It totally is!!

      Reply
  3. Christina September 27, 2016 at 11:27

    oh I love kladdkaka! Back in high school in our European Culture class everyone had to pick a country and introduce it (of course I picked Sweden!) and I baked kladdkaka. There was definitely room for improvement in the recipe that I’d chosen but still.. I have very fond memories of the delicious cake! Then on another exchange one of my Swedish friends baked it himself and shared it with us – sooo delicious! It is definitely time for the next kladdkaka 😀 I’m gonna remember this recipe and try it next time when I’m at home 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva September 27, 2016 at 20:04

      So cool!! It is really cool when you get to explore different food cultures at school! Hugh five for choosing Sweden 🙂

      Reply
      1. Christina September 28, 2016 at 00:30

        🙂

        Reply
  4. B September 27, 2016 at 19:50

    Fika is the best time of day, but I can see how it can be dangerous. That cake looks positively deadly! 🙂

    I’m looking forward to reading more of your blog. Congratulations on your One Lovely Blog award nomination!

    Reply
    1. Eva September 30, 2016 at 22:05

      I love the way you phrased it – positively deadly is definitely fitting! Thank you for your comment 😉

      Reply
  5. Profusion of Eccentricities September 27, 2016 at 23:24

    This looks amazing, I can almost taste it from the pictures.

    Reply
    1. Eva September 30, 2016 at 22:06

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. A Pulgarita November 24, 2016 at 23:14

    This looks fantastic Eva! It looks similar to a chocolate mousse cake I make here and is a success but I will try your recipe too. I have to make some of these cakes soon since I promised my friends who helped me win a trip to Brussels on a contest that I would bake them the chocolate mousse cake with Belgian chocolate when I get back =) Keep going!

    Reply
    1. Eva November 24, 2016 at 23:17

      Ohh mousse cake with Belgian chocolate sounds like a great combination!!

      Reply
  7. Kathryn Kemp February 19, 2020 at 04:36

    5 stars
    I will need to convert all of the gram measures to English ones. It looks delightful.

    Reply
    1. Eva March 2, 2020 at 13:24

      Hope you will be able to make it soon, Kathryn!

      Reply
  8. Diane Pederson March 6, 2021 at 18:35

    5 stars
    I made this on Thursday 03/04/2021. This was incredible. I thought that I might be burning it at that high of a temperature but it did not burn, I took it out right at 17 minutes and let it cool. Almost gone, but still gooey and oh so chocolatey. Thanks for the post, I will definitely be making this again.

    Reply
    1. Eva March 7, 2021 at 08:01

      Hi Diane! So lovely to hear and I’m happy you loved it! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment, I really appreciate it!

      Reply
  9. Tayler April 5, 2021 at 15:12

    Hi Eva! I just made this and it is delicious! All my family thinks so too. Thank you for sharing the recipe 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva April 5, 2021 at 18:03

      Thank you Tyler! I’m happy to hear that it was a success!!

      Reply
  10. Cindy Jones-Sherk April 13, 2022 at 01:29

    5 stars
    This is now a go to recipe for me!
    Love it.

    Reply
    1. Eva May 4, 2022 at 21:33

      Thank you!

      Reply
  11. Suzanne September 17, 2022 at 05:24

    This looks so good! What a fun recipe to make with kids!

    Reply
    1. Eva October 20, 2023 at 09:13

      Thanks Suzanne, it certainly is! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Vanessa September 17, 2022 at 05:25

    Thanks for sharing! Does it keep long?

    Reply
    1. Eva October 20, 2023 at 09:15

      Hi Vanessa, it will keep 3-5 days outside the fridge, covered.

      Reply
  13. Kristin February 5, 2023 at 23:02

    5 stars
    Just made this today 2/5/23
    It’s so easy and delicious 🤤
    Thank you for the simple, follow along directions

    Reply
    1. Eva October 20, 2023 at 09:41

      Hi Kristin, Thank you for your comment, I’m glad you liked it!

      Reply
  14. Hania March 6, 2023 at 23:12

    5 stars
    I made it, it’s really good! I usually like my desserts less sweet so i only used 300g of sugar – still was very sweet and yummy! My family loved it too 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva October 23, 2023 at 09:20

      Thank you Hania, I’m glad you and your family enjoyed it!

      Reply
  15. Linda Shukri June 30, 2023 at 04:00

    5 stars
    I finally made the Kladdkaka today! It came out great! Even with Einkorn flour. I baked it for 20 minutes instead of 17. Perfect! Delicious! It was a test as I’m making it for July 4th celebration and wanted to make sure it came out right before I made it for other people to enjoy.

    I’m also planning on making London Fog ice cream (and chocolate chip) plus a raspberry cream cheese pie.

    Eva – Please come back and offer more recipes for your fans to enjoy! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Eva October 23, 2023 at 09:41

      Hi Linda, Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’m so happy you enjoy my recipes! 🙂

      Reply

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