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List of Icelandic desserts

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Vínarterta, an Icelandic layer cake featuring plums and cream

This is a list of notable Icelandic sweets and desserts. The cuisine of Iceland refers to food preparation originating from Iceland or having played a great historic part in Icelandic cuisine. Iceland also shares many dishes and influences with surrounding Scandinavian countries, such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Characteristics

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Due to Nordic settlements in Iceland during the 9th century, Scandinavia has a heavy influence in Icelandic cuisine.[1] The earliest published Icelandic cookbooks were collections of Danish recipes brought by Danish bakers and traders—many of which still hold up in Icelandic dining today.

The climate of Iceland is harsh and frigid, therefore the culture relies heavily on animal products rather than large-scale crop farming. This is reflected in their desserts, as most dishes, such as skyr and súkkulaði, feature a dairy component. This is also reflected in the fruits used in dessert preparation, as only fruits that can grow in such a climate can be featured, such as crowberries, blueberries, and rhubarb. While cereals and grains are used in dishes, they are mainly created using imported grains, and therefore have become more popular as trade in Iceland has improved.[2]

Icelandic desserts

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Name Image Description
Kleina Sweetened fried rolls cut into a trapezoidal shape using a kleinujárn
Ástarpungar Translates to "love balls"—fried dough balls filled with raisins and cardamom
Hjónabandsæla Lattice pastry interwoven with a thick, blueberry paste[3]
Aðalbláber og Rjómi Blueberries with cream and sugar
Nammi Bulk confectionary, otherwise known as pick n' mix
Ís Icelandic ice cream, usually served in different flavors
Bragðarefur Mixture of ice cream and multiple toppings
Snúður Cinnamon roll topped with melted chocolate
Skúffukaka Thin chocolate cake topped with melted chocolate and shredded coconut
Randalín Layer cake with different portions of sponge cake, icing, and jam[4]
Vínarterta A type of randalin with layers of plums
Laufabrauð Thin fried pastry with cut designs
Jólagrautur Rice pudding topped with raisins, cinnamon, and sugar, typically served during Christmas
Piparkökur Glazed ginger cookies
Icelandic cheescake Cheesecake made with skyr
Lakkrístoppar Meringue cookies filled with chocolate and liquorice
Hjónabandssæla (Marriage Cake) Cake made with base of oatmeal and flour, filled with rhubarb jam
Möndlukaka Almond cake with strawberry jam
Ábrystir Cream pudding made from colostrum
Kakósúpa Chocolate soup made from milk, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and potato scratch, served warm
Rúlluterta a rolled cake filled with buttercream
Pönnukökur Crépe-like pancakes dusted with sugar
Vínarbrauð Long, flaky pastry, occasionally iced or topped with nuts
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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Vikings and Settlement – Icelandic Times". Icelandic Times. 5 October 2023.
  2. ^ "On cereals grown in Iceland". Eco-logy.com.
  3. ^ "Hjónabandsæla". worldfood.guide.
  4. ^ Björgúlfsdóttir, Helga Dís (23 June 2022). "Icelandic Layer Cake or Randalín!". Your Friend in Reykjavik.