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Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake

Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake: A Springtime Delight to Savor

Experience the delightful flavors of spring with Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake, a sweet and tangy dessert featuring rhubarb and a buttery crumble.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Icelandic
Calories: 230

Ingredients
  

For the Rhubarb Compote
  • 4 cups Fresh Rhubarb Substitute with frozen if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Superfine/Caster Sugar Brown sugar can be used for a different flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be used for variation.
For the Crumble Base
  • 2 cups Rolled Oats Do not substitute with quick or steel-cut oats.
  • 1 cup Plain/All-Purpose Flour Avoid whole wheat flour.
  • 3/4 cup Brown Sugar Can be replaced with additional caster sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cardamom Cinnamon or nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Do not replace with baking powder.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Salted butter can be used with adjustment.
  • 1 large Egg Opt for a flax or chia egg for vegan version.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • cake tin
  • pastry cutter
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped fresh rhubarb with superfine sugar and vanilla extract over medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb softens but retains its shape. Transfer the compote to a bowl and let it cool completely.
  2. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  3. In a large mixing bowl, blend the rolled oats slightly, then combine them with all-purpose flour, both sugars, ground cardamom, and baking soda. Chop the softened unsalted butter into the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Beat in an egg until a wet crumble forms.
  4. Press two-thirds of the dough mixture into the bottom of a greased cake tin to form a base. Spread the cooled rhubarb compote evenly, then crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top.
  5. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Check towards the end to prevent over-baking.
  6. Let the cake cool in the tin for at least 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice into squares and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 110mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, use fresh rhubarb and ensure that the ingredients are measured accurately. Watch baking time closely, as all ovens vary.

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