Norwegian-inspired Almond Cake

Ingredients

While the original Portuguese Pão de rala is a traditional almond cake made with egg yolks and sugar syrup, this Norwegian-inspired version incorporates ground almonds and citrus zest for a lighter and more refreshing flavor profile. The use of powdered sugar instead of syrup on top adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors of the cake. We alse have the original recipe for Pão de rala, so you can check it out.

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour 150g (1 ¼ cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 20g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a 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.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, combine the ground almonds, all-purpose flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and orange zest.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for this recipe to achieve the desired texture. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra citrusy flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon or orange extract to the batter.
• Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• If you prefer a more pronounced almond flavor, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the batter.

Serving advice

Serve the Norwegian-inspired almond cake as a delightful dessert after a traditional Norwegian meal. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar for an elegant and inviting presentation. You can also garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few slices of citrus fruit.