Few cakes are as beloved in Denmark as the Othello cake (Othello lagkage). You will find it on pastry shop counters all over the country, carried out at birthdays and family celebrations – and here in central Copenhagen we bake it with equal parts respect for tradition and Italian pastry pride. But where does it actually come from? And what makes a real Othello cake so irresistible?
📖 A classic with a theatrical name
The Othello cake takes its name from Shakespeare’s famous tragedy Othello – and there is a sweet logic to it: the cake’s dark chocolate glaze earned it the name of the play’s protagonist. The cake comes from the classic Copenhagen pastry shops, where it has been a fixture for more than a hundred years, and today it ranks among the great Danish pastry classics.
🍰 What is an Othello cake made of?
The traditional Othello cake is built on a simple but perfect combination:
- Light sponge layers – often with a crisp macaroon base in the middle
- Soft pastry cream – the heart of the cake
- Chocolate glaze – the dark, glossy top that gave the cake its name
- Marzipan – bringing it all together with its delicate almond flavour
It is all about balance: crisp against soft, sweetness against the gentle bitterness of the chocolate. A cake that tastes of Sundays, celebrations and childhood memories.
🇮🇹 Our version – Danish classic, Italian craftsmanship
At Pastry By Pagliuca we bake our Othello cake from scratch – with marzipan, chocolate and cream, as a classic deserves. Our pastry chefs unite the Danish layer-cake tradition with Italian pastry artistry, and you can choose your favourite cream for the cake: chocolate, raspberry, strawberry, lemon or vanilla.
Taste it in our shop on Løngangstræde – or order it as a whole layer cake for your next celebration.
🎂 Order an Othello cake for your celebration
Planning a birthday, christening or anniversary? Our Othello cake can be ordered as a custom cake directly in our shop – from 10 people and with the option of a personal message on the cake. Just remember to order at least 7 days in advance, so we have time to bake it for you.
👉 Order an Othello cake in our shop
Want to know more about how to order? Read our guide to ordering custom cakes and wedding cakes.
🗺️ Taste it in the heart of Copenhagen
📍 Løngangstræde 19, 1468 Copenhagen K – just a few minutes’ walk from City Hall Square, Strøget and Tivoli Gardens. Stop by for a slice of Othello cake and a cup of our organic coffee from Rwanda.
👉 Follow us on Instagram for new flavours, sneak peeks and behind the scenes.
