Burundian Almond Cake

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have incorporated Burundian culinary influences into the traditional Norwegian Fyrstekake. While the original recipe uses a combination of almonds and almond flour, we have enhanced the nutty flavor by adding ground peanuts, a staple ingredient in Burundian cuisine. Additionally, we have infused the cake with the warm and aromatic flavors of Burundian spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, to create a unique fusion of flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Fyrstekake, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) ground peanuts 1/2 cup (60g) ground peanuts
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds, for topping 1/2 cup (50g) sliced almonds, for topping
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 37g, 22g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground peanuts, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the batter.
8. 8.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground peanuts — Make sure to use unsalted ground peanuts for the best flavor and texture in the cake.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of Burundian honey to the batter.
• If you prefer a more pronounced cardamom flavor, you can increase the amount to 1 teaspoon.
• Serve the cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• To make the cake even more visually appealing, you can drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top.

Serving advice

Serve the Burundian Almond Cake as a delightful dessert after a traditional Burundian meal. It pairs well with a cup of Burundian coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the cake, dust it generously with powdered sugar and arrange a few fresh mint leaves on top. Serve it on a decorative cake stand or plate for an elegant touch.