Icelandic Vinarterta Cake

Baking and Desserts • Icelandic

Time 2 hours + 3 days

Ingredients 12

Servings 16

Description

A layered pie from Iceland (imported by the Danes), also known as 'Striped Lady.' The delicate buttery pastry has a tender consistency with dark streaks of prunes, making it look very festive. It's no wonder that this pie is traditionally prepared for Christmas and weddings in its homeland. Like a Christmas pudding, it can be baked a couple of days before the celebration, wrapped in plastic wrap, and stored in the refrigerator — as it absorbs flavors and the layers meld together, the 'Striped Lady' becomes even more delicious.

Ingredients

Prunes 0 lbs
Water 15 fl oz
Meyer Lemon Juice 0 fl oz
Cardamom 1½ spoons
Vanilla extract 2 spoons
Sugar 15 oz
Cinnamon ½ spoons
Butter 10 oz
Chicken Egg 2 pieces
Wheat Flour 20 oz
Baking Powder 1 tablespoon
Milk 5 fl oz

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1

Soak the prunes in water, bring to a boil, and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the prunes should swell and soften.

Step 2

Blend the prunes using a blender.

Step 3

Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and cardamom, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, 100 grams of sugar, and lemon juice. Mix well.

Step 4

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with 300 grams of sugar.

Step 5

Add the eggs one at a time, continuing to beat.

Step 6

In a separate bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract.

Step 7

In another bowl, mix the flour, half a teaspoon of cardamom, and the baking powder.

Step 8

Add one third of the dry ingredients to the bowl with the butter mixture and mix well. Then, add one third of the milk with vanilla and mix again. Continue alternating until all ingredients are added to the mixing bowl and knead the dough. Wrap the finished dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for half an hour.

Step 9

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 5–7 mm. Cut out rectangles of the same size from the dough. You should have 5–7 rectangles.

Step 10

Transfer the dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in an oven preheated to 355°F for 10–12 minutes. The finished layers should be firm, like cookies.

Step 11

Assemble the cake by spreading the prunes filling between each layer. There is no need to spread anything on the top layer.

Step 12

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a cool place for at least 3 days. It can be kept for up to 4 weeks.

Step 13

It can be stored for up to 4 weeks. The longer it is stored, the softer the layers will become.