6 Must-Try Icelandic Desserts

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 it at most bakeries or for dessert at Icelandic Street Food in Reykjavik.

Ástarpungar (love balls) are deep-fried, spiced balls of dough that usually have raisins inside. You’ll find these heavenly bites at the bakery or, better yet, at restaurants for dessert, where they’re served with cinnamon or cardamom-spiced cream for dipping.

Kleinur are chewy, twisted knots of fried dough often flavored with vanilla or cardamom. Try them at Reykjavik’s oldest bakery, Bernhoftsbakari. It’s still owned and run by the same family since 1834. You’ll also find kleinur for dessert served with rhubarb curd at Old Iceland in Reykjavik.

Icelandic Skyr cake is similar to cheesecake but made with Iceland’s thick and creamy Skyr yogurt. You can find it on the dessert menu at the traditional restaurant Cafe Loki.

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 or Reykjavik Kitchen.

Icelanders love ice cream and eat it all year round, at any time of day. Fun fact: licorice is a super popular flavor in Iceland! For a unique Icelandic specialty and ice cream you can only try in Iceland, try the rye bread ice cream topped with cream and rhubarb syrup at Cafe Loki.