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Vínarterta – Icelandic Celebration Cake

Deliciously Homemade Vínarterta – Icelandic Celebration Cake

Vínarterta is an Icelandic Celebration Cake made of layered cookies with sweet prune filling, perfect for festive gatherings.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Icelandic
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Filling Ingredients
  • 1 cup water for rehydrating prunes
  • 2 cups pitted dried prunes
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice to brighten the filling
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom or cinnamon/nutmeg as alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances flavor
  • 1/2 cup sugar adjust for sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for extra warmth
Cookie Layer Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened) unsalted preferred
  • 1 cup sugar for sweetness
  • 2 large eggs binding agent
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour substitute with gluten-free if needed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom to echo flavors from filling
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder for rising
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract optional for richness
  • 1 tablespoon milk or plant-based milk

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Cookie Cutter
  • Baking sheets
  • Wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, combine 1 cup of water with the pitted prunes. Cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the prunes become very soft and easily mashable.
  2. Remove from heat and mash the prunes into a smooth mixture. Stir in lemon juice, ground cardamom, vanilla extract, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  4. Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 tablespoon milk and both vanilla and almond extracts until well incorporated.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cardamom, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until just combined.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut the dough into shapes with a cookie cutter or knife.
  7. Place the cookie shapes on lined baking sheets, spaced about an inch apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges feel firm but tops are pale.
  8. Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before assembling.
  9. Start layering the cooled cookie layers with the prune filling on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of filling between each cookie layer.
  10. Wrap the assembled Vínarterta tightly in plastic wrap and store in a cool place for at least 3 days to improve flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allowing the Vínarterta to rest for several days enhances the flavors for an even more delightful treat.

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