This Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its delightful crumble crust and a luscious rhubarb compote center, this cake brings together the refreshing taste of rhubarb with aromatic hints of cardamom. The combination not only makes it visually appealing but also provides a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just enjoying a cozy weekend treat, this cake is sure to bring joy to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this cake in no time.
- Deliciously Unique Flavor: The blend of rhubarb and cardamom creates a distinctive taste that stands out from ordinary cakes.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a spring celebration, this cake fits right in.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or at room temperature with tea; it’s delicious either way!
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The golden-baked crust paired with the vibrant rhubarb filling makes for an attractive centerpiece.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake, gather all necessary tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking tin (9-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking tin: Ensures even cooking and gives your cake its shape.
- Mixing bowls: Helps in combining the ingredients easily without spillage.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time.
- Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Rhubarb Compote
- 500 grams / 1 pound fresh rhubarb (sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces)
- 50 grams / 1/4 cup superfine/caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crust
- 135 grams / 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 240 grams / 1 1/2 cups plain flour
- 100 grams / 1/2 cup superfine/caster sugar
- 50 grams / 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 4 grams / 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 225 grams / 7.93 ounces butter (softened and cubed)
- 45 grams / 1 medium egg (room temperature)
How to Make Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb Compote
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sliced rhubarb, superfine sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook until the rhubarb softens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, plain flour, superfine sugar, brown sugar, ground cardamom, and baking soda. Mix well.
Step 3: Incorporate Butter and Egg
Add softened butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Press half of the crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking tin. Spread the cooled rhubarb compote evenly over it. Top with the remaining crust mixture by crumbling it over the compote.
Step 5: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from oven and allow to cool before slicing into squares or wedges.
Enjoy your delicious Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake!
How to Serve Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
Serving Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat, these suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
Pair with Whipped Cream
- Fresh whipped cream adds a light and creamy texture that complements the cake’s crumble crust perfectly.
Add Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a rich and smooth contrast to the tartness of the rhubarb compote.
Serve with Fresh Berries
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries add a burst of flavor and a vibrant color to your plate.
Drizzle with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce brings an extra layer of sweetness and richness to each slice.
Enjoy with Tea or Coffee
- A cup of tea or coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the flavors and making for a cozy dessert experience.
How to Perfect Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
Perfecting your Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
- Use fresh rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb has the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen rhubarb as it may become mushy.
- Measure ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements will help achieve the right balance between sweetness and tartness.
- Chill the butter: Chilled butter makes for a flakier crust, enhancing the overall texture of the cake.
- Don’t overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture in baked goods.
- Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing helps maintain its structure.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cardamom or add other spices like cinnamon for added warmth in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
To enhance your dining experience, consider serving side dishes alongside your Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake. These options complement the flavors and provide variety.
- Coconut Macaroons: Chewy and sweet, these macaroons offer a tropical twist that pairs well with the tartness of rhubarb.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses provides savory notes that balance the sweetness of the cake; include sharp cheddar or creamy brie.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate while adding brightness to your dessert table.
- Chocolate Ganache Tart: Rich chocolate tart adds an indulgent element that contrasts beautifully with the lightness of the cake.
- Carrot Salad: A crunchy carrot salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette offers freshness and balances richness.
- Pistachio Crumble: This nutty crumble adds texture and flavor that complements both sweet and savory dishes wonderfully.
- Lemon Sorbet: Light and zesty lemon sorbet serves as a palate cleanser between bites, enhancing your overall dessert experience.
- Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti provide an excellent textural contrast when enjoyed alongside slices of cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect your outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the rhubarb preparation: Ensure you slice the rhubarb evenly for consistent cooking. This avoids some pieces being too mushy while others remain raw.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts of flour and sugar.
Using cold butter: Softened butter is crucial for creating the right crumble texture. Make sure your butter is at room temperature before starting.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Combine ingredients until just blended for a lighter cake.
Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Every oven is different; check for doneness slightly before the recommended time.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common queries about the Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake that may help enhance your baking experience.
What is an Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake?
The Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake is a delightful dessert featuring a crumbly crust filled with sweet and tangy rhubarb compote, infused with cardamom.
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute fresh rhubarb with frozen if necessary. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How can I customize my Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake?
You can add nuts like almonds or walnuts, or spices such as cinnamon for additional flavor. Fresh berries can also be mixed into the rhubarb compote.
What serves best with Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, adding a creamy contrast to its tartness.
Final Thoughts
The Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake is not only delicious but also versatile, perfect for any occasion. Its unique combination of flavors will delight anyone who tries it. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings! Enjoy baking this heartwarming treat today!
Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Iceland with the Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake, a charming dessert that beautifully blends a buttery crumble crust with a sweet-tart rhubarb compote, accentuated by aromatic cardamom. This cake is not only visually stunning but also offers a unique taste experience that will leave your guests impressed. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy weekends, the Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake is sure to bring joy to your table and warm your heart. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it alongside tea for a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Icelandic
Ingredients
- 500g fresh rhubarb
- 50g superfine sugar (for compote)
- 135g rolled oats
- 240g plain flour
- 100g superfine sugar (for crust)
- 50g brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 225g butter (softened)
- 1 medium egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a saucepan, cook sliced rhubarb with superfine sugar and vanilla until soft (5-7 minutes). Cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, sugars, cardamom, and baking soda. Mix well.
- Add softened butter and mix until crumbly; then add the egg and combine thoroughly.
- Press half of the mixture into a baking tin, spread the cooled rhubarb compote on top, and crumble remaining mixture over it.
- Bake for about 25 minutes until golden brown. Cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (90g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
