Description
Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake is a traditional, comforting dessert that features a delightful combination of oats, molasses, and jam layers. This rich and flavorful cake is both hearty and sweet, making it a beloved treat in Icelandic households. The recipe uses common pantry ingredients and results in a moist, golden-baked cake with a fruity jam filling that adds a perfect touch of tartness.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Jam Layer
- 1/2 cup rhubarb jam or strawberry jam
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, molasses, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Create Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently but thoroughly until a thick batter forms, ensuring all flour is moistened.
- Assemble Layers: Evenly spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Carefully spread the rhubarb or strawberry jam evenly over this batter layer.
- Top Batter Layer: Spoon the remaining batter on top of the jam layer. Gently spread it to cover the jam as much as possible without mixing the layers.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake portion comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 9 pieces and serve.
Notes
- This cake can be made with either rhubarb jam or strawberry jam depending on your taste preference.
- The name ‘Happy Marriage Cake’ reflects the harmonious blend of flavors creating a comforting dessert.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
