6 Traditional Icelandic Desserts to Try This Winter

Iceland’s winter desserts include skúffukaka chocolate-coconut cake, lakkrís toppar meringue cookies, skyr, ábrystir pudding, kakósúpa chocolate soup, and jólakaka Christmas cake. Each reflects dairy-rich, cozy Nordic traditions and can be recreated at home.

What Makes Icelandic Desserts Special?

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. Many Icelandic desserts are made with rich dairy products such as skyr and cream, cocoa and chocolate, and warm spices like cardamom, as a result of the country’s Danish culinary tradition. Iceland has a delightful variety of kaka (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!

1. Skúffukaka

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. The name Skúffukaka means “drawer cake,” referring to the tray in which it is baked. 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.

2. Lakkrís Toppar

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.

3. Skyr

While many brands of skyr are sold alongside yogurt in grocery stores, the two are not 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.

Unlike Greek yogurt that is strained to remove whey, skyr gets its thick consistency thanks to its unique set of cultures and special processing technique. This dairy product, just like Greek yogurt, is high in protein and has a creamy texture.

Skyr can be eaten with fresh fruits as a simple dessert or can be used to make a variety of different dishes, for instance, a creamy skyr cake. This Icelandic delicacy is a perfect example of how rich the products of this region can be.

4. Ábrystir

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.

Note: Since colostrum is only available seasonally, ábrystir is a springtime specialty rather than a typical winter dessert, making it a unique addition to a list of traditional Icelandic desserts.

5. Kakósúpa

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.

6. Jólakaka

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.

More Icelandic Sweets Worth Knowing: Vínarterta, Kleinur and Pönnukökur

• Vínarterta: A Christmas cake made of layers of pastry filled with spiced prune jam, often with cardamom.
• Kleinur: Twisted Icelandic doughnuts with a crispy shell and a tender center, often flavored with cardamom.
• Pönnukökur: Thin pancakes of Iceland, often rolled up with sugar on top or with jam and whipped cream on the side.

Try Icelandic-Style Desserts at Home

Bring Icelandic desserts into the kitchen with simple treats like skyr topped with fresh berries, hot cocoa flavored with cinnamon and cardamom, or a chocolate tray cake finished with toasted coconut. Use Cadbury cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor or Bournville cocoa-rich chocolate for a deeper, bittersweet finish.