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This buttery Scandinavian almond treat offers the ideal mix of rich, indulgent texture and subtle almond taste with each mouthful. Following time-honored methods, you'll create a cake that's firm yet soft, going perfectly with your afternoon cup or serving as a fancy sweet ending to any meal.
I came across this treat during a cold-season trip to my friend's place in Sweden. The moment I tried this straightforward yet classy dessert, I had to get the instructions and have been making it for both special events and regular treats since then.
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: Builds just the right framework without feeling too heavy
- Baking powder: Adds a bit of rise while keeping the traditional denser feel
- Salt: Cuts through sweetness and boosts the almond notes
- Sugar: Makes a lightly crunchy outside and soft inside
- Egg: Holds everything together and makes it richer
- Almond extract: Brings that distinctive Nordic taste
- Half and half cream: Gives richness but keeps things balanced
- Butter: Creates that wonderful damp texture and full flavor
- Sliced almonds: Look pretty and give a nice crunch contrast
Easy Making Guide
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Fully melt the butter and let it cool a bit. Spray your Rehrucken pan thoroughly with baking spray that has flour in it. Scatter sliced almonds across the bottom, which will become the pretty top after flipping.
- Blend Dry Stuff:
- Stir the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl until they're mixed well. This helps spread the rising agent evenly and stops salt clumps in your finished cake.
- Mix Wet Stuff:
- In a bigger bowl, stir together sugar, egg, almond extract, and half and half until smooth. Don't whip it too much since this cake should be somewhat heavy.
- Put Everything Together:
- Add your dry mix to your wet mix and stir gently until you can't see any flour anymore. Don't stir too hard or your cake might turn out tough.
- Pour In Butter:
- Add the cooled melted butter and mix until your batter looks uniform. The mix will be pretty runny now, which is good for making a moist cake.
- Cook It Just Right:
- Pour your mix into the ready pan and bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the sides turn golden and the middle feels firm when you touch it lightly.
- Let It Rest:
- Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This rest time is important - it helps the cake set but stays warm enough to come out easily. Then flip it onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
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My grandma would add just a tiny bit of cardamom to her take on this cake, giving it a gentle warmth that works so well with the almond taste. Whenever I bake it now, the smell reminds me of family get-togethers and her kitchen filled with sweet almond and butter aromas.
Keeping Your Almond Cake Fresh
This cake stays tasty and soft for many days after baking. To keep it nice, let it cool all the way down, then wrap it tight in plastic or put it in a sealed container at room temp. The almond flavor actually gets a bit stronger after about 24 hours, so it's great to make ahead when you've got company coming.
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Fun Mix-up Ideas
The classic version tastes great on its own, but you can easily change things up to match what you like. Try adding some lemon peel for a tangy twist, or mix in cardamom or cinnamon for a spicy kick. You can swap out the sliced almonds for other nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts to create a different taste altogether.
Ways To Enjoy It
Nordic folks usually just sprinkle some powdered sugar on top, but it also tastes amazing with fresh berries and a bit of whipped cream. For something more fancy, try it with vanilla ice cream and warm raspberry sauce drizzled over. A piece also goes perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea break.
The Story Behind It
In Nordic countries, especially Sweden, this type of almond cake often shows up during fika, their everyday coffee pause that really matters in daily life. Unlike grabbing coffee on the go here in America, fika means slowing down and chatting with others while enjoying coffee and something sweet. This cake, made with basic ingredients and familiar flavors, shows the welcoming spirit that Nordic culture is known for.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake it in another pan?
Sure, a 9-inch loaf pan works too, just extend the baking time by approximately 10 minutes.
- → Why is the texture so soft?
Melted butter, half & half, and almond extract do the magic to keep it soft and tender.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerate it longer.
- → What if I don't have spray for the pan?
Butter or oil the pan, then dust it lightly with flour. It works just as well!
- → Can I add extra flavor or texture?
Absolutely! Top with powdered sugar, drizzle a glaze, or sprinkle sliced almonds for a crunch.