kastelijoiden

Kastelijoiden is a type of Finnish wedding cake that originates from the Åland Islands, a region in southwestern Finland. The term "kastelijoiden" is a plural form of the word "kastelijo", which refers to a small, petit cake.

Traditionally, kastelijoiden consists of a set of small, thin sponge cakes, often flavored with vanilla or cardamom, that are typically around 5-7 centimeters in diameter. The cakes are usually filled with a light buttercream or jam filling and topped with a thin layer of glaze.

One of the distinctive features of kastelijoiden is that they are stacked on top of each other in a column to form a tower, often using frosting or jam as a binding agent. The height of the column can vary depending on the occasion and the preferences of the person making the cake.

Kastelijoiden are typically served at weddings, anniversaries, and other special occasions in the Åland Islands and are considered a part of the region's culinary heritage. They are also often made for other celebrations and events, such as christenings and birthday parties.

The exact origins of kastelijoiden are unclear, but it is believed to date back to the time when the Åland Islands were under Swedish rule. The name "kastelijo" is thought to refer to the small, stone castles that were built on the islands by the Swedes.