Moist Scandinavian Almond Cake

This moist Scandinavian almond cake delivers the perfect balance of buttery richness and delicate almond flavor in every bite. The traditional recipe creates a dense yet tender texture that pairs beautifully with afternoon coffee or makes an elegant dessert for any occasion.

I first discovered this cake during a winter visit to my Swedish friend's home. After one bite of this simple yet elegant dessert, I immediately asked for the recipe and have been baking it for special occasions and everyday treats ever since.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without being too heavy
• Baking powder: Gives just enough lift while maintaining the cake's traditional dense texture
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the almond flavor
• Sugar: Creates a slightly crisp exterior and tender crumb
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness
• Almond extract: Delivers that signature Scandinavian flavor profile
• Half and half cream: Adds richness without making the cake too heavy
• Butter: Creates that unmistakable moist texture and rich flavor
• Sliced almonds: Add visual appeal and a delightful textural contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Melt the butter completely and set aside to cool slightly. Generously spray your Rehrucken pan with baking spray containing flour. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly across the bottom of the pan, which will become the decorative top once the cake is inverted.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl until completely combined. This ensures even distribution of leavening and prevents any pockets of salt in the finished cake.

Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, almond extract, and half and half cream until smooth. The mixture should be well blended but not overly aerated as this cake is meant to have a somewhat dense texture.

Combine Mixtures:

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk gently until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix as this can develop gluten and make the cake tough.

Add Butter:

Pour in the cooled melted butter and whisk until the batter is smooth and homogeneous. The batter will be quite loose at this stage, which is exactly what you want for a moist final product.

Bake to Perfection:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the edges turn golden brown and the center feels set when lightly pressed.

Cool and Release:

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the cake to set while still warm enough to release easily. Carefully invert onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

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My grandmother used to add a tiny pinch of cardamom to her version of this cake, which adds a subtle warmth that complements the almond flavor beautifully. Every time I bake this cake, the aroma brings back memories of holiday gatherings and her kitchen filled with the scent of almond and butter.

Storing Your Almond Cake

This cake maintains its texture and flavor remarkably well for several days. To keep it fresh, cool the cake completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. The almond flavor actually intensifies slightly after a day, making this an excellent make ahead dessert for entertaining.

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Creative Variations

While the traditional recipe is perfect on its own, you can easily customize this cake to suit your tastes. Try adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist, or incorporate cardamom or cinnamon for a spiced version. You can also replace the sliced almonds with other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

In Scandinavia, this cake is traditionally served with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but it also pairs beautifully with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent dessert, try serving it with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm raspberry sauce. A slice also makes the perfect accompaniment to your morning or afternoon coffee.

The Cultural Significance

In Scandinavian countries, particularly Sweden, this type of almond cake is often enjoyed during fika, the traditional coffee break that's an important part of daily life. Unlike the American coffee break, fika is about taking time to slow down and connect with others over coffee and something sweet. This cake, with its simple ingredients and familiar flavor, represents the comfortable hospitality that characterizes Scandinavian culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different pan for this cake?

Yes, you can use a 9-inch loaf pan. Just increase the baking time by about 10 minutes.

→ What makes this cake moist?

The cake's moist texture comes from the combination of melted butter, half & half cream, and almond extract.

→ How do I store this cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.

→ What can I use instead of Baker's Joy spray?

You can grease the pan with butter or oil and lightly dust it with flour as an alternative.

→ Can I add toppings to the cake?

Yes, you can sprinkle powdered sugar, glaze, or even sliced almonds for extra texture and flavor.