Description
Magnolia Bakery’s Swedish visiting cake combines rustic simplicity with profound flavor complexity. Scandinavian baking traditions shine through this delightful dessert, inviting you to savor each sweet, buttery crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) sliced almonds
- 1 cup (120 g) confectioner’s sugar
- 3 large egg whites
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- Confectioner’s sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line with parchment paper to facilitate seamless removal and precise cutting.
- Almond Topping Creation: Whisk egg whites until lightly frothy, then blend almond extract and confectioner’s sugar to create a textured mixture. Gently fold in sliced almonds, preserving their delicate structure. Set aside for final assembly.
- Batter Development: In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a pale, slightly thickened consistency, which may require several minutes of consistent whisking.
- Batter Refinement: Delicately fold flour into the egg mixture using a silicone spatula. Incorporate melted and cooled butter, stirring until the batter achieves a smooth, uniform texture without overmixing.
- Baking Process: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring even distribution. Artfully spread the reserved almond topping across the surface, using fingertips to create a uniform layer. Smooth with an offset spatula to completely cover the batter.
- Baking and Doneness: Place the pan in the oven’s center and bake for 28-32 minutes. Monitor for a golden-brown surface and test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean without raw batter residue.
- Cooling and Finishing: Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack using the parchment paper. Cool completely before serving. Dust generously with confectioner’s sugar and optionally garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Maximize Almond Flavor: Use high-quality almond extract to enhance the cake’s nutty, aromatic profile and create a more complex taste experience.
- Perfect Whisking Technique: Whisk egg mixture vigorously until it becomes pale and slightly thickened, which helps create a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
- Prevent Overbaking: Watch the cake closely during the final minutes of baking. Golden-brown edges and a clean toothpick test ensure a moist, tender crumb without dryness.
- Serve with Elegance: Dust with confectioner’s sugar just before serving and consider adding fresh berries or whipped cream for a restaurant-worthy presentation that elevates the simple cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 339
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 73 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg