Sam's Crucian Vienna Cake

The Caribbean Vienna Cake is one of the most treasured traditional desserts of the U.S. Virgin Islands—especially beloved on my home island of St. Croix. Dating back to the late 1800s, it remains a centerpiece at birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

The cake itself is a dense, yellow, pound-style cake baked in thin layers, each one carefully stacked with vibrant tropical preserves in between. The result is a beautiful mosaic of flavors, with each slice offering a surprise. Classic fillings include guavaberry, green lime (greengage), pineapple, guava, and apricot, each lending its own tangy sweetness. To finish, I cover the cake in a smooth layer of white royal icing, giving it a simple yet elegant look that hides the rainbow of flavors inside.

This is not just a dessert—it’s a celebration cake, one that tells the story of island hospitality, patience, and tradition with every bite.