Iceland often gets a snub when it comes to cookbooks and overall mention among the Nordic countries, but Iceland is our favorite because of how much it treasures cocoa and its chocolate cake and getting cozy by the fire.
The stark Nordic winterscape of Iceland is a sight to behold and travelers drop anchor to watch the northern lights there, the sharp landscape, and the bubbling volcanoes of the tiny island country. Food can be a struggle given how the location and climate call for an atypical fare, but desserts are another story. Iceland has a delectable spread of kākā or cakes and warm desserts that evoke a taste of the familiar. So, the next time in Iceland, do pick up a slice or a bowl of sugary goodness!
Rich and coconutty, Skúffukaka is a beloved traditional cake of Iceland. Baked as a single moist layer, its chocolate batter derives intense flavor from the use of sour milk; the milk adds depth to the cocoa, resulting in an irresistible treat. Topped with a toasted coconut frosting, the cake pairs the frosting's creaminess beautifully with the bittersweet chocolate layer below. While it might seem like a moist spongy cake, the texture resembles a brownie more than a layered cake. A favorite among locals, Skúffukaka also has another variety that is equally loved by the locals, which is this delicious single-layer chocolate cake that is covered with a chocolate glaze and sprinkled with ground coconut.
These melty and sweet treats are a local favorite. Lakkrís toppar are beautiful Icelandic treats made from wonderfully airy meringue. In Iceland, saying "nammi" is akin to "nummy" or "yummy" – it’s no wonder these cookies are local favorites. Icelandic chocolate-covered licorice is folded into the meringue before baking, creating a fluffy delight with an exceptionally sweet surprise. Perfect for pairing with coffee or hot chocolate, these cookies are a revelation and usually contain semi-sweet chocolate chips, chocolate-covered Icelandic licorice, and meringue. Icelandic licorice has a mild, sweet anise flavor and is more subtle than regular licorice. The chocolate-coated licorice pieces called Lakkrís Kurl impart subtle notes amid the meringue's light crisp exterior and creamy interior.
While many brands of skyr are sold alongside yogurt in grocery stores, the two are not exactly the same. Skyr has a thicker, creamier texture than yogurt due to the heirloom Icelandic cultures and dairy milk used in its production. It takes nearly 4 cups of milk to make 1 cup of skyr, explaining its rich mouthfeel. This process also makes skyr higher in protein than traditional yogurt and goes perfectly with fruit and berries. As for how it's different from Greek yogurt, even though both Greek yogurt and skyr are super creamy and thick, they are made differently. Greek yogurt is strained to remove whey, concentrating the protein. Skyr, however, is not strained - its thickness and protein come from the specific cultures and the amount of milk reduction involved in the process.
Decadent and dreamy, ábrystir is a beloved Icelandic dessert with a likeness to flan and a texture comparable to crème brûlée and is made from a cow's first milk which gives it a thick, creamy texture. This sweet treat has an amazingly rich and sweet flavor. It pairs beautifully with local Icelandic blueberries or a touch of caramel. Ábrystir is a pudding made using colostrum, the first milk from cows or sheep after giving birth during springtime, making this dessert rare. Ábrystir is enjoyed commonly with additions like sugar, cinnamon, and other sweeteners that enhance its flavor. It can be served cold, warm, or hot but is usually warmed slightly before eating.
This "chocolate soup" is something that will get you addicted and you won’t be able to stop craving tasty kakósúpa, a local treat popular among Icelanders. This cocoa soup is a sweet favorite made at home but also available at select restaurants. Kakósúpa is made with milk, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and potato starch for thickening. It has a thin, chocolatey consistency and is excellent served warm. Some enjoy it garnished with toasted oats or a touch of cream. While often enjoyed as is, kakósúpa can also be turned into more of a dessert by adding sugar or cardamom schnapps (an alcoholic beverage). Kakósúpa is a perfect soupy sweet drink to sit back and watch the snow swirl outside while enjoying a comforting cup of kakósúpa.
Winter holiday time in Iceland is truly magical, and no celebration is complete without jólakaka. This traditional Icelandic dessert brightens the winter season with its warmly spiced flavor. Made with buttermilk, sugar, milk, flour, eggs and raisins, jólakaka is a sponge cake with a lovely flavor profile, spiced with cardamom and studded with dried fruits like currants and raisins. A similar variation called vinarterta layers the cake rather than baking it as a solid slice. It has a dense, poundcake-like texture that is perfect for enjoying by the warm fire with coffee or hot cocoa. Traditionally served only at Christmas, this treat became so popular that it can now be found year-round.