National Dish Iceland: Jólakaka með Kardimommu (Recipe)
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Few things say midwinter in Iceland quite like a warm slice of Jólakaka með Kardimommu. This gently spiced Christmas cake fills the kitchen with the scent of cardamom, cinnamon and cloves long before it reaches the table, and it is the kind of bake that families make year after year, each with their own small twist. Simple, buttery and comforting, it is the perfect companion to a pot of coffee on a dark December afternoon.
About Jólakaka með Kardimommu
Jólakaka með Kardimommu is a traditional Icelandic Christmas cake with a flavour profile all of its own. The combination of cinnamon, cloves and cardamom gives it a warm, spiced character that suits the festive season perfectly. In Iceland the cake is a fixture of Christmas celebrations, and many households guard their own version of the recipe. Every bite carries the cosiness and quiet festivity that make Icelandic winter traditions so special.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 100 g butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Shopping for the ingredients
To gather everything for Jólakaka með Kardimommu, a well-stocked supermarket or a good delicatessen is the best starting point. Take care to choose high-quality spices such as cinnamon, cloves and cardamom, as they shape the flavour of the cake more than anything else. Freshly ground spices bring the intensity and aroma the recipe deserves. During the Christmas season these ingredients are especially easy to find, since shops tend to stock them in quantity.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin baking, it pays to have everything properly prepared. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it creams easily with the sugar. Weigh out all the ingredients carefully — this is a simple batter, and accuracy makes a real difference to the crumb. Grease your cake tin and preheat the oven in advance so nothing has to wait once the batter is mixed.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 °C and grease a cake tin.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Combine the flour, baking powder and spices in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture alternately with the milk, mixing well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the surface.
- Bake for about 30–35 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and leave to cool before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
If you would like to bake the Jólakaka without gluten, simply use a gluten-free flour blend, now widely available. Do check that the remaining ingredients, particularly the baking powder, are gluten-free as well. For a lactose-free version, swap the butter for lactose-free margarine or a plant-based baking block, and replace the milk with plant-based alternatives such as almond or oat milk. These small adjustments mean everyone at the table can share in the festive treat.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For a vegan version of the Jólakaka, replace the eggs with apple sauce or ground flaxseed. One tablespoon of ground flaxseed soaked in three tablespoons of water stands in for a single egg. For the butter, a good vegan margarine or coconut oil works nicely. With these swaps the cake stays every bit as delicious, and nobody has to miss out on the flavours of the festive season.
More tips and tricks
To deepen the flavour of the Jólakaka, fold a handful of chopped nuts or dried fruit into the batter. They add texture as well as extra sweetness and depth. It is also worth playing with the spicing — a pinch of ginger or a little grated citrus zest gives the cake an extra lift. And a generous measure of care in the mixing does more for the result than any single ingredient.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The best thing about Jólakaka með Kardimommu is how easily it bends to personal preference. If you are fond of chocolate, stir in dark chocolate chips or a spoonful of cocoa powder for a richer, darker crumb — much in the spirit of Súkkulaðikaka með Rjóma. The sweetness can be dialled up or down as you like, and the spice mix is entirely yours to adjust. Be creative and shape the recipe around your own individual preferences.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have everything to hand, several useful substitutions will see you through. In place of plain flour you can use oat flour, which gives the cake a heartier, nuttier character. Instead of refined sugar, try honey or a light syrup to sweeten the batter, adjusting the milk slightly to compensate for the extra liquid. Substitutions like these let you bake with whatever your cupboard offers without losing the spirit of the cake.
Drink pairing ideas
A festive Jólakaka calls for drinks that echo its warm spicing. Coffee and tea are the classic partners and remain the Icelandic favourite. For something more seasonal, mulled apple cider or a mug of hot chocolate will chase off the winter chill nicely. A well-chosen drink keeps guests lingering at the table long after the last slice has gone.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the Jólakaka attractively, dust it with icing sugar or finish it with a simple glaze, then scatter over a few fresh berries — the same berries that shine in Berjablanda með Rjóma. Edible flowers or mint leaves lend an elegant, festive touch. A handsome serving plate and matching napkins complete the picture. An arrangement like this impresses guests and makes the occasion feel that much more special.
A bit of history
The tradition of the Jólakaka in Iceland reaches far back and is woven deeply into the country’s Christmas customs. Originally the cake was made from whatever ingredients were available through the long winter months. Over time the recipe evolved, shaped by local habits and by spices imported from abroad — the same trade routes that enriched much of Icelandic cuisine. Jólakaka is not merely a cake but a symbol of community and of gathering together during the coldest, darkest part of the year.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Jólakaka með Kardimommu
Jólakaka með Kardimommu is an essential part of the Icelandic Christmas. Its balanced mix of spice and sweetness makes it a treat that nobody turns down. Whether at a quiet family evening or a larger festive gathering, this cake brings warmth and cheer to the table. Let the traditional flavours of Iceland win you over, then sit back with a slice and enjoy the season.
