Norwegian Almond Cake
Norwegian Almond Cake is a tender Scandinavian cake made with ground almonds and butter.Eggs and sugar create a rich, moist crumb with a delicate sweetness.Almond extract enhances the natural nutty aroma of the cake.The batter is baked until lightly golden and beautifully fragrant.Powdered sugar and sliced almonds make an elegant finishing touch.It is perfect with coffee, tea, berries, or lightly sweetened cream.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1½ cups finely ground almonds or almond flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup sliced almonds, for topping
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries, optional
- Whipped cream, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.Line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy.This usually takes approximately 2–3 minutes.
Add the Eggs
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.Add the almond extract and vanilla extract.Mix until smooth.
Add the Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.Alternate with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.Mix only until the batter comes together.Avoid overmixing.
Fill the Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.Smooth the surface gently with a spatula.Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top.
Bake
- Place the cake in the preheated oven.Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for approximately 10–15 minutes.Carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack.Allow it to cool completely.
Finish and Serve
- Once cooled, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar.Slice and serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a cup of coffee.
Notes
- Use finely ground almonds for a smooth and tender texture.
- Room-temperature ingredients help create an even batter.
- Do not overmix after adding the flour.
- Almond extract is optional but gives a stronger almond aroma.
- Watch the baking time because ovens vary.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Sliced almonds add texture and attractive presentation.
- The cake is excellent with coffee, making it ideal for Scandinavian-style fika.