In the heart of the winter season, there’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of holiday baking to fill your home with love and joy. Today, we bring you a delightful recipe all the way from Norway – Fyrstekake, a traditional almond cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your Christmas baking lineup. Simple yet elegant, this Norwegian treat combines the rich flavors of almonds and cardamom to create a festive dessert that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying by the fireside with a cup of hot cocoa.
**Fyrstekake Norwegian Almond Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup almond flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 egg
– 1/2 tsp almond extract
– 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
– 1/4 tsp salt
– Sliced almonds for topping
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a round cake pan (8 or 9 inches) with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, almond flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and salt. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and almond extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and butter. Mix until a dough forms and everything is well combined.
5. Take two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared cake pan, creating an even layer.
6. Use the remaining one-third of the dough to create a lattice pattern on top of the almond mixture in the pan. This can be done by rolling the dough into long, thin ropes and arranging them in a crisscross pattern over the filling.
7. Sprinkle sliced almonds generously over the top of the cake, gently pressing them into the dough.
8. Bake the Fyrstekake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the almond filling is set.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, dust the Fyrstekake with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness before slicing and serving.
And there you have it – a taste of Norway with every bite of this Fyrstekake Norwegian Almond Cake. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday season or simply craving a cozy treat, this recipe is sure to bring a touch of Scandinavian charm to your table. Enjoy the tradition and flavors of Norway in this delightful almond cake, made with love and meant to be shared with those you hold dear. Happy baking!
