Kransekage is the traditional Danish marzipan ring cake associated with New Year’s Eve.
The name means “wreath cake,” and the dessert is built from graduated rings made with marzipan, sugar, and egg white. The rings are stacked into a tall cone or tower and commonly decorated with white icing. Its firm, almond-rich texture distinguishes it from ordinary sponge cake.
In Denmark, kransekage is especially associated with celebrations such as New Year’s Eve, weddings, and other major occasions. It may be served with sparkling wine at midnight. The same family of ring cakes is also found in Norway, where the closely related name is kransekake.
Æbleskiver are another Danish celebratory food, but they are spherical pancake-like treats rather than a marzipan ring cake. Smørrebrød means open-faced sandwich and is not a New Year dessert.