Indulge in the delightful flavors of Sweden with this scrumptious almond cake recipe. This traditional Swedish dessert combines the richness of almonds with a moist and tender cake base. Topped with a sprinkle of coarse sanding sugar, this sweet treat is a perfect accompaniment to your afternoon fika (coffee break).
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9” round springform or cake pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Melt the butter and set aside to cool.
Using your fingers, mix together lemon zest and granulated sugar, mashing the zest into the sugar granules to fragrance the sugar.
Beat in cooled butter, eggs, almond extract, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Sift flour and salt together and pour into sugar mixture. Stir gently, just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Spread into prepared pan. Sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar and sliced almonds.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean and the almonds are golden brown.
Cool until you can handle the pan. Remove from pan and cool on a cooling rack. Can be served warm or when completely cooled.
Notes
My Top Tips for Making the Best Swedish Almond Cake
Beat the eggs properly: When incorporating the eggs into the batter, make sure to beat them well until they are light and fluffy. This step helps to create a light and airy texture in the cake. Take your time to properly whisk the eggs to achieve the best results.
Be mindful of baking time: Keep a close eye on the baking time to prevent the cake from overcooking. Almond cakes can quickly become dry if left in the oven for too long. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Remove the cake from the oven as soon as it reaches this stage to ensure a moist and tender result.
Allow the cake to cool completely before serving: It's important to let the Swedish almond cake cool down entirely before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to develop fully and ensures that the cake maintains its structure. Patience is key to achieving a deliciously moist and well-set almond cake.