Description
Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake, also known as Hjónabandssæla, is a delightful traditional Scandinavian dessert featuring a buttery oat crust with a warm cardamom flavor, layered with sweet rhubarb jam. This comforting cake is easy to make and perfect for serving alongside coffee or tea, offering a slightly chewy texture and a touch of Nordic charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Filling
- 2 cups rhubarb jam or thick rhubarb preserves
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the all purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cardamom until evenly combined.
- Add butter and mix: Add the softened unsalted butter to the dry mixture and mix until the texture becomes crumbly and well combined, resembling coarse crumbs.
- Incorporate egg and vanilla: Stir in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
- Form the base crust: Press about two thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create the cake base, pressing firmly for an even layer.
- Add the rhubarb filling: Spread the rhubarb jam evenly over the crust layer, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent spillage during baking.
- Top with remaining dough: Crumble the remaining one third of the dough evenly over the rhubarb jam layer to form the topping.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is lightly golden and set.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve as a classic Icelandic treat alongside coffee or tea.
Notes
- Traditional Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake, known as Hjónabandssæla, is commonly filled with rhubarb jam but raspberry or strawberry jam can be used as delicious alternatives.
- The rolled oats in the crust add a slightly chewy texture that complements the buttery crumble and fruity filling.
- Ground cardamom imparts a warm, aromatic Nordic flavor that makes this dessert unique and comforting.
- Serve the cake with coffee or tea for an authentic Icelandic experience.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting to prevent crumbling.
