Discover Iceland’s classic desserts featuring local flavors like rhubarb, licorice, cardamom, Skyr Icelandic yogurt, and even rye bread. All the fantastic places recommended below for Icelandic desserts are in Reykjavik and are shown on a map at the bottom of the page. Bon appétit!
Click here for more travel guides and tips on Iceland!
Rye Bread Ice Cream
Icelanders love ice cream and eat it year-round (yes, even in the dead of winter!). For a unique Icelandic specialty, go for the rye bread ice cream topped with cream and rhubarb syrup at Cafe Loki. It’s one of the things they try on Reykjavik’s famous food tour! Another unique flavor to try at one of Iceland’s many ice cream shops is licorice ice cream. It’s a local favorite.
Hjónabandssæla (happy marriage cake)
Hjónabandssæla (happy marriage cake) is like a cross between a rhubarb crumble and an oatmeal cookie. They say just like marriage, it gets better with age! You’ll find this cake at most bakeries, including the ever-popular Brauð & Co, and for dessert at Icelandic Street Food.
Kleinur
Kleinur are chewy, twisted knots of fried dough, often flavored with vanilla or cardamom. You can try them at Reykjavik’s oldest bakery, Bernhoftsbakari, which has been run by the same family since 1834. Kleinur are also served for dessert with rhubarb curd at Old Iceland.
Ástarpungar (love balls)
Ástarpungar (love balls) are deep-fried, spiced balls of dough that usually have raisins inside. These heavenly bites are sold at bakeries and, better yet, at restaurants for dessert, where they’re often served with cinnamon or cardamom-spiced cream for dipping.
Skyr Cake
Icelandic Skyr cake is similar to cheesecake but made with Iceland’s thick and creamy Skyr yogurt. It’s on the dessert menu at the traditional restaurant Cafe Loki.
Skyr Crème Brûlée
Iceland’s version of crème brûlée is made with locally produced Skyr Icelandic yogurt. You can try Iceland’s twist on the classic at 101 Reykjavik Street Food and Reykjavik Kitchen.
Leave A Comment