somlói

Somlói is a traditional Icelandic dessert named after the Hungarian Somlói galuska, reflecting its broader origins in Central European cake traditions. In Iceland, somlói has become a popular, layered dessert found in bakeries and homes, especially during festive occasions and gatherings.

A typical somlói features several sponge cake layers, usually vanilla and/or cocoa-flavored, that are soaked with a rum-based sauce. Between or around the cake layers are chopped walnuts and raisins, which provide texture and sweetness. The assembled cake is then crowned with generous whipped cream and often finished with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and an additional sprinkle of walnuts.

Preparation is generally straightforward: bake and cool the sponge cakes, cut them into cubes or slices, and layer them in a dish with the rum sauce and the walnut-raisin mixture. The final touch is a thick layer of whipped cream on top, sometimes drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled with extra nuts.

Variations exist by family and region, but the core concept remains the same: a soaked sponge cake built in layers or cubes, enriched with walnuts and raisins, and topped with whipped cream. Somlói is typically served in portions at room temperature and is renowned for its combination of creamy, chocolatey, and nutty flavors. See also the related Hungarian Somlói galuska for historical context.