If you adore nutty, moist, and aromatic cakes, this Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try for your baking repertoire. It captures the warmth of almonds in each bite and offers a lovely golden crust that hints at the rich, buttery tenderness inside. Whether you’re inviting friends over for coffee or just craving a comforting slice of something special, this cake strikes a perfect balance of simplicity and elegance that makes it a beloved treat across generations. The way the almond extract infuses the batter adds a subtle, yet irresistible flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe lies in its uncomplicated ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its delightful texture and rich flavor. From the sweet sugar to the aromatic almond extract, every element works together for a cake that feels like a warm hug.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and aids in creating a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s light, airy texture.
- Almond extract: The star flavor that gives this cake its signature nutty aroma.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cake, ensuring it bakes up just right.
- Baking powder: Gives the cake lift and a lovely rise.
- Butter (melted): Adds richness, enhances flavor, and keeps the cake beautifully moist.
How to Make Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s warming up, generously grease a bundt pan with cooking spray or vegetable shortening, then lightly dust it with flour. This ensures the cake releases perfectly after baking, preserving its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Combine Sugar and Eggs
In a mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is essential as it helps dissolve the sugar and prepares the base for the tender crumb texture we love.
Step 3: Mix in Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and baking powder along with milk and almond extract to your sugar and egg mixture. Beat until everything is just combined, making sure not to overmix—you want a light batter that will bake evenly.
Step 4: Incorporate Melted Butter
Pour in the melted butter and mix well. Butter not only adds a silky texture but also deepens the flavor profile to truly bring this Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe to life.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top gently with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. Patience here pays off with a clean, smooth lift and a cake that holds its stunning shape beautifully.
How to Serve Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a scattering of sliced almonds on top brings a simple, elegant touch that complements the cake’s almond flavor perfectly. Fresh berries or whipped cream are wonderful if you want to add a splash of color and creaminess.
Side Dishes
Pair your almond cake with a cup of strong coffee or a delicate herbal tea to accentuate the nutty undertones. For a more indulgent treat, a dollop of vanilla ice cream works beautifully as a contrast to the cake’s soft texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, serve small slices on pretty dessert plates topped with edible flowers or alongside seasonal fruit compotes. You can also cut the cake into cubes and skewer them with fruits for a fun and unexpected twist at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.
Freezing
To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe. Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing its wonderful texture and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the cake again, let it thaw at room temperature. For that freshly-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm it gently in a low oven.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
While almond flour will enhance the almond flavor, it significantly changes the texture and moisture level, so it’s best to stick with all-purpose flour for this traditional Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe to achieve the ideal crumb.
Is almond extract necessary?
Almond extract is key for that signature aroma and taste. You could substitute with vanilla extract, but the cake won’t have the distinctive, delightful almond note that makes this recipe stand out.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. It’s a good idea to use a blend designed for baking to keep the cake light and tender.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The cake is ready when the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This ensures it’s moist throughout but completely cooked.
Can I add chopped almonds in the batter?
Absolutely! Adding chopped almonds gives a pleasant crunch and extra almond flavor. Just fold in about ½ cup before pouring the batter into the pan for that delightful textural contrast.
Final Thoughts
Baking the Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe is like inviting a little slice of Scandinavian warmth into your kitchen. It’s straightforward but unbelievably satisfying, perfect for sharing or indulging in a cozy moment with yourself. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to cake that’s sure to impress every time.
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Scandinavian Almond Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
This Scandinavian Almond Cake is a moist and flavorful bundt cake infused with almond extract and a tender crumb. Perfect for gatherings, it combines simple ingredients like sugar, eggs, milk, and melted butter to create a classic Nordic-inspired dessert with a golden brown crust and soft interior.
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 8 ounces butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cake.
- Prepare Pan: Generously spray a bundt pan with cooking spray or alternatively grease it with vegetable shortening and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
- Beat Sugar and Eggs: In a mixing bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs until they are well combined and slightly fluffy.
- Add Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the flour, baking powder, milk, and almond extract to the sugar and egg mixture. Beat until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly to ensure an even texture.
- Pour Batter: Transfer the prepared batter into the bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before turning it out to preserve its structure and prevent breaking.
Notes
- Ensure the bundt pan is properly greased and floured to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Do not overbeat the batter after adding flour to avoid a dense cake.
- Check the cake with a toothpick near the end of baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Letting the cake cool fully in the pan helps it maintain its shape when removed.
- This cake pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
