Søt Suppe (Norwegian Sweet Soup): A Cozy Scandinavian Classic
If you’ve never heard of Norwegian Sweet Soup, or Søt Suppe, you’re in for a surprising treat. This cozy, fruit-forward dish is like a warm hug from Scandinavia, sweetened by tradition and made modern with the help of naturally sweet, nutrient-packed California Prunes.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane (and the fjords) to understand the roots of this charming dish and why it deserves a spot in your seasonal recipe rotation.
The History of Søt Suppe
Søt Suppe (pronounced soot-soo-puh) is a traditional Norwegian fruit soup served most often around the holidays, especially Christmas, though you’ll find it on Scandinavian tables at other special occasions and family gatherings too. Its origins go back centuries—before fresh fruit was widely available during the long, dark winters of the North.
Dried fruits were the heroes of the pantry, offering concentrated flavor, energy, and sweetness that could be preserved year-round. Prunes were (and still are) a staple in this soup for good reason: their rich, caramel flavor holds up beautifully to long simmering, and they pair effortlessly with spices and citrus.
When (and Why) to Serve Sweet Soup
This recipe for Søt Suppe is rooted in hospitality and comfort. Serve it:
- At brunch alongside buttery pastries or lefse
- As a light dessert after a hearty winter meal
- During the holidays as part of a traditional Scandinavian spread
- Or simply for yourself when you want something naturally sweet and deeply nourishing
Plus, the bonus? It’s incredibly forgiving. No need for perfect measurements, fancy tools, or advanced skills. This soup is just good ingredients, a little patience, and a simmering pot of love.
Why California Prunes Belong in Your Sweet Soup
Let’s talk upgrade. Traditional recipes like Søt Suppe used prunes out of necessity, but today, we use California Prunes out of choice.
They’re not just any dried fruit. California Prunes are naturally sweet (no added sugar), full of complex, caramel-like flavor. They are also loaded with health benefits, especially for digestion and bone health. That’s right: this cozy bowl of soup is also doing something good for your gut and your skeleton.
Plus, California’s sunny climate and sustainable farming practices make these prunes some of the highest quality in the world. Your mormor would approve.
A Sweet Bowl of Nostalgia
Søt Suppe is not only a sweet bowl of nostalgia, it truly celebrates how humble ingredients can create something elegant, healthy, and delicious. And with the deep flavor and health benefits of California Prunes, this old-world recipe finds a new reason to shine in modern kitchens.
So the next time you’re craving something cozy, naturally sweet, and secretly good for you… make a pot of Sweet Soup. Your ancestors (and your taste buds) will thank you.
Craving more naturally sweet recipes? Find inspo here >>
Norwegian Sweet Soup (Søt Suppe)
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Vegetable Peeler
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried California Prunes soaked overnight in boiling water
- 2 cups dried apricots soaked several hours in boiling water
- 1 cup dark raisins
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1 orange peeled and quartered (save the peel!), slice fruit into 1/2 inch pieces. Slice peel into thin strips (you'll need 1 tablespoon)
- 1 lemon peeled, prep same as orange
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ cup sugar or honey to taste
- ¼ cup pearl or quick-cooking tapioca
Instructions
- Combine the soaked prunes and apricots (with their soaking water) in a large pot.
- Add the raisins, sliced citrus, orange and lemon peels, and cinnamon stick.
- Add more water as needed to fully cover the fruit.
- Simmer gently for about 1 hour, or until the fruit is tender. Don’t overcook—you want the fruit to hold its shape.
- Soak the tapioca briefly in water (5–10 minutes), then stir into the fruit mixture along with the sugar or honey.
- Simmer until slightly thickened. It will thicken more as it cools—you can always adjust with a splash of water later.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
- Optional: Top with plain Greek yogurt, whipped cream, or a sprig of fresh mint for extra flair.
Video
Nutrition
Here’s another Scandi fave to try
Incredibly Delicious Swedish Meatballs
These aren’t your IKEA meatballs. Juicy, tender, and simmered in creamy gravy, this classic comfort dish gets an upgrade with California Prunes for just the right touch of sweetness and richness. Trust us, your taste buds will say “tack så mycket.”