Albanian-inspired Kvæfjordkake

Ingredients

In this Albanian-inspired version of Kvæfjordkake, we incorporate traditional Albanian flavors and ingredients to create a unique fusion. The addition of rosewater and almond extract infuses the sponge cake with a delicate floral aroma, while the use of crushed pistachios and honey as garnish adds a touch of Albanian sweetness and nuttiness to the dessert. We alse have the original recipe for Kvæfjordkake, so you can check it out.

• For the sponge cake: For the sponge cake:
• 6 large eggs 6 large eggs
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon rosewater 1 teaspoon rosewater
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• For the vanilla custard filling: For the vanilla custard filling:
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 4 egg yolks 4 egg yolks
• 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar 100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
• 40g (⅓ cup) cornstarch 40g (⅓ cup) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the whipped cream topping: For the whipped cream topping:
• 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream 500ml (2 cups) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Crushed pistachios Crushed pistachios
• Honey Honey

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 13g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 39g, 26g
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture and gently fold until well combined.
4. 4.
   Stir in the rosewater and almond extract.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely.
8. 8.
   Meanwhile, prepare the vanilla custard filling. In a saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling.
9. 9.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. 10.
    Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
11. 11.
    Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until thickened.
12. 12.
    Remove from heat and let the custard cool completely.
13. 13.
    Once the cake and custard are cooled, carefully slice the cake horizontally into two equal layers.
14. 14.
    Spread the vanilla custard evenly over the bottom layer of the cake.
15. 15.
    Place the top layer of the cake over the custard.
16. 16.
    In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
17. 17.
    Spread the whipped cream over the top of the cake.
18. 18.
    Garnish with crushed pistachios and drizzle with honey.
19. 19.
    Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
20. 20.
    Slice and enjoy this delightful Albanian-inspired Kvæfjordkake!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Eggs — Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before beating them with sugar to achieve maximum volume in the sponge cake.
• Rosewater and almond extract — Use high-quality extracts to ensure a delicate and authentic flavor in the cake.
• Pistachios — Toast the pistachios lightly before crushing them for a richer flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a quicker version, you can use store-bought sponge cake or ladyfingers instead of making the cake from scratch.
• If rosewater is not available, you can substitute it with orange blossom water for a different floral note.
• To make the custard egg-free, substitute the egg yolks with 40g (⅓ cup) of cornstarch and follow the same steps.
• For a festive touch, decorate the top of the cake with fresh berries or edible flowers.
• Serve the Kvæfjordkake chilled for the best taste and texture.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of Albanian-inspired Kvæfjordkake on a dessert plate, accompanied by a cup of freshly brewed Albanian coffee or a glass of sweet Raki.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. Place a fresh rose petal or a mint leaf on each slice for an elegant touch.