Icelandic Christmas Cake (Jólakaka)
Jólakaka is a simple cardamom-spiced loaf cake, studded with raisins. It makes a lovely coffee cake, and is best baked one day ahead.
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter 150 grams
- 3/4 cup sugar 150 grams
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups flour 250 grams
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cardamom
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup raisins 100 grams
Instructions
- Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
- Add dry ingredients, milk and raisins. Stir to incorporate.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes at 325 F (170 C).
- Allow the Jólakaka to cool completely before cutting.
Notes
Jólakaka is best the 2nd day, so bake the Christmas cake a day ahead to enjoy the following morning with coffee.
I've since read that recipes add 1/2 tsp lemon extract, or 1 tsp of lemon zest. I think that would be lovely in this cake, and I'm going to add it next time.