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Home » Recipes

Simple Swedish Almond Cake

Published: Jan 14, 2021 · Modified: Jun 20, 2022 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate

This Swedish Almond Cake is the essence of simplicity, perfect for a busy day when there is little time for baking but the idea of a homemade slice of cake to go with your afternoon cup of coffee is just too tempting to pass up.

You can mix this cake in 10 minutes and bake it in about 40. This means moist almond-flavored cake on your table, ready to enjoy, in just under an hour. No mixer required! Let's get started, shall we?

Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate.

Why This Recipe Works

This is wonderful cake recipe to have in your baking repertoire because:

  • It comes together in a flash and calls for simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand;
  • The cake is tender, moist and contains just the right amount of almond extract;
  • It's delicious on its own or with with a simple dusting of powdered sugar, but you can also dress it up a little and serve it with fresh berries and whipped cream alongside.

The Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Swedish Almond Cake.

As I mentioned above, you probably have all of these items on hand already!

The Equipment

Swedish almond cake pan on a marble surface.

You will need a Swedish Almond Cake pan (essentially a long, shallow ribbed loaf pan) for this recipe. They are available on Amazon and from Scandinavian specialty stores.

How to Make This Recipe

The process couldn't be simpler:

  • Butter and flour the pan thoroughly or use a non-stick baking spray, even if your pan has a nonstick surface. Because of the ridges in the pan, this cake has a tendency to stick.
Flour in a bowl with a whisk on a marble background.
Milk and egg in a bowl with a whisk.
  • Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, milk and almond extract.
Cake batter in a bowl with a whisk on a marble surface.
Cake batter in a bowl with a whisk on a marble surface.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
  • Add the cooled, melted butter and whisk until fully incorporated.
Cake batter in a Swedish Almond Cake pan.
Swedish Almond Cake in a pan.
  • Pour into the prepared pan and bake in a 350 degree oven for 35-45 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes and then flip it over onto a serving tray. Cool and serve!
Two slices of Swedish Almond Cake on a plate next to strawberries and whipped cream.

Expert Tips

There are a few tricks for ensuring almond cake success every time:

  • As I mentioned above, it is extremely important to thoroughly grease and flour the pan or use a nonstick baking spray. This cake is likely to stick to the pan otherwise, especially if the surface of the pan is not nonstick.
  • Let the cake sit for just 10 minutes in the pan prior to turning it over onto a serving plate. This will help it release more cleanly.
A close up of a bite of Swedish Almond Cake with whipped cream and strawberries.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pan in place of the almond cake pan?

You could use a regular 9 x 5 loaf pan but you will need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time as it will be a little thicker than the almond cake pan version and need a little extra time to bake through.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, feel free to substitute a non-dairy milk for the regular milk here.

How should I top this cake for serving?

A light dusting of powdered sugar is all you really need, but if you would drizzle the cake with a simple glaze, whisk together ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1 ½-2 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cake and sprinkle with a handful of toasted sliced almonds if desired.

What should I serve alongside this Swedish Almond Cake?

A simple cup of coffee will do just fine, but it you want to fancy things up a bit, whipped cream and fresh berries are a nice accompaniment.

I hope you bake this Simple Almond Cake for your next afternoon fika (Swedish coffeebreak)! Looking for other easy Scandinavian cakes to enjoy? I've got several tempting options here on the blog for you to try:

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Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate

Simple Swedish Almond Cake

A simple recipe for a deliciously moist and tender almond-flavored cake.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cake, Fika
Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian
Keyword: almond cake, cake, fika, Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 211kcal
Author: Kristi

Equipment

  • Scandinavian Almond Cake Pan

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
  • ⅔ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted and cooled
  • powdered sugar for serving, if desired

Instructions

  • 1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour the cake pan or spray with nonstick baking spray.  Place prepared pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • 2.  Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • 3.  In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, almond extract and milk.  Add flour mixture and whisk until mixed well.  Add butter and mix until fully combined.
  • 4.  Pour batter into prepared pan.  Place cookie sheet with pan on top into the oven.  Bake for 35-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  • 5.  Let cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving tray.  Allow the cake to cool to room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Video

Notes

It is extremely important to thoroughly grease and flour the pan or use a nonstick baking spray. This cake is likely to stick to the pan otherwise, especially if the surface of the pan is not nonstick.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Simple Swedish Almond Cake and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.

Sliced Swedish Almond Cake on a marble plate

Simple Swedish Almond Cake

A simple recipe for a deliciously moist and tender almond-flavored cake.
5 from 12 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Cake, Fika
Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian
Keyword: almond cake, cake, fika, Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 211kcal
Author: Kristi

Equipment

  • Scandinavian Almond Cake Pan

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons pure almond extract
  • ⅔ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, melted and cooled
  • powdered sugar for serving, if desired

Instructions

  • 1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease and flour the cake pan or spray with nonstick baking spray.  Place prepared pan on a rimmed baking sheet.
  • 2.  Whisk flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • 3.  In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, egg, almond extract and milk.  Add flour mixture and whisk until mixed well.  Add butter and mix until fully combined.
  • 4.  Pour batter into prepared pan.  Place cookie sheet with pan on top into the oven.  Bake for 35-45 minutes or until edges are golden brown and toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  • 5.  Let cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving tray.  Allow the cake to cool to room temperature. Sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired and serve.

Video

Notes

It is extremely important to thoroughly grease and flour the pan or use a nonstick baking spray. This cake is likely to stick to the pan otherwise, especially if the surface of the pan is not nonstick.

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 36mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda C

    November 20, 2020 at 12:11 pm

    This has become my go to cake for holidays, birthday celebrations, or just when I need a little something sweet. I had to buy the pan, but it was relatively inexpensive on Amazon. It's almost a shame how easy this is to make, because I end up making it too often! It is delicious garnished with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar and some berries.

    Reply
    • Kristi

      November 20, 2020 at 12:59 pm

      Hi Amanda,

      Thanks for your comment. I agree...this cake is almost too easy! Everyone always loves it and it looks so pretty right out of the pan with a little dusting of sugar. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

      Kristi

      Reply
      • Anna

        December 05, 2022 at 3:57 pm

        5 stars
        Even I can make this.

        Reply
    • Linda

      December 23, 2022 at 10:57 am

      5 stars
      I love to make this cake and every one asks me to bring it. My newest version is to pour Amaretto over the top. Then garnish with whipped cream,

      Reply
      • Kristi

        December 24, 2022 at 12:28 pm

        5 stars
        That sounds AMAZING! So glad you are enjoying this cake recipe. It's one of my favorites....so easy and versatile. Thanks so much for taking the time to comment!
        Kristi

        Reply
        • Brendalee Cederlund

          February 01, 2023 at 2:24 pm

          5 stars
          How do you keep the pan from tipping while in the oven?

          Reply
          • Kristi

            February 03, 2023 at 9:00 am

            Hi Brendlee,
            I actually set it on a rimmed baking sheet to prevent it from tipping. Hope this helps!
            Kristi

  2. Lisa

    December 19, 2020 at 3:22 pm

    Sooo any chance you'd have suggestions on a low carb conversion? Using almond flour and monk fruit sweetener? If not, guess I'll need to experiment. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi

      December 21, 2020 at 10:24 am

      Hi Lisa,

      I've never tried a gluten free version of this cake but have made other cakes with just almond flour before. I'm sure it's possible! Please let me know how the experimenting goes.

      Kristi

      Reply
      • Linda

        December 23, 2022 at 10:52 am

        I’ve made the cake gluten free and it was delicious!

        Reply
        • Kristi

          December 24, 2022 at 12:29 pm

          That's great, Linda! So glad to hear that a gluten free version works well!

          Reply
  3. Lisa

    December 24, 2020 at 8:52 am

    Just baked this cake for our Christmas dinner, in honor of my mother in law Hillevi who passed away earlier this year. Amazingly simply and very elegant looking. My cake did not stick - although I over compensated by using a lot of spray Pam on the bottom, then dusted with flour and coated in crushed, slivered almonds. No way that cake was sticking . Thank you! this cake will be our holiday tradition for years to come.

    Reply
    • Kristi

      December 24, 2020 at 10:58 am

      Hi Lisa,
      Thanks so much for your comment! What a lovely tribute to your mother-in-law. I'm so glad this cake has found a special place on your holiday table. Enjoy and happy holidays!

      Kristi

      Reply
  4. El

    June 07, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    I didn’t have the time correct pan but I had a good sized bread pan that I thought worked just fine. The cake was amazing!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      June 11, 2021 at 10:29 am

      HI El,

      I'm so glad you enjoyed the cake! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!

      Kristi

      Reply
  5. Becca C

    July 10, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    I bought the cake pan from Al Johnson's in WI. I've made the cake two times, and it's been perfect. I try to buy good quality butter and almond extract, but most ingredients are kitchen staples, so this comes together really easily.

    What do you think about adding a little lemon rind to the batter?

    Reply
    • Kristi

      July 12, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      Hi Becca,

      Thanks for your comment! I think lemon rind would be fabulous! Let me know how it turns out!

      Kristi

      Reply
  6. Cam

    October 18, 2021 at 10:46 pm

    5 stars
    This was my first bake in a long time. I whipped it up in 15 minutes and popped it in the oven. It is so simple and tasty! It was quick to make and will certainly be quick to go, as it's already halfway gone! Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
  7. Kristi

    October 19, 2021 at 9:26 am

    Hi Cam,
    So glad you liked the cake! Such an easy and delicious recipe. Thanks so much for the feedback!
    Kristi

    Reply
  8. Towana Fuqua

    November 14, 2021 at 1:21 am

    I'm not much of a baker, because cakes are usually "complicated" and time-consuming, in my mind. But, I do want to try this one because it sounds so quick and simple. Since I don't bake much, I always buy self-rising flour. Will this cake turn out well if I use it and leave out the baking powder and salt? I've heard that's sometimes possible.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Kristi

      November 15, 2021 at 8:51 am

      Hi Towana,
      I've never tried this recipe with self-rising flour but I think it's worth giving it a go (leaving out the baking powder and salt as you mentioned). Let me know how it turns out!

      Kristi

      Reply
  9. Eduard Mullokandov

    January 15, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Thank You for a wonderful recipe. Try today and result is GREAT!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      January 19, 2022 at 3:44 pm

      Hi Eduard,
      So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your feedback!
      Kristi

      Reply
  10. Nat

    February 11, 2022 at 8:31 pm

    This was a delightfully nice and simple recipe! I didn't mix the butter in well enough so it spread to the edges creating a dark crust, but it was still fabulous!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      February 13, 2022 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Nat,
      So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your feedback!
      Kristi

      Reply
  11. Mary

    February 23, 2022 at 10:38 am

    5 stars
    This is the best almond cake !! I used Sonoma Syrup Pure Almond Extract, it is the only almond extract I’ll uyse

    Reply
    • Kristi

      February 23, 2022 at 1:24 pm

      Thanks, Mary! So glad you enjoyed it!

      Kristi

      Reply
  12. Marie Beckstrom

    March 25, 2022 at 3:10 pm

    5 stars
    My favorite cake! Always a winner with guests.

    Reply
    • Kristi

      March 25, 2022 at 4:14 pm

      Thanks, Marie!

      Reply
  13. Shoneen Wagner

    June 13, 2022 at 8:46 am

    I enjoy making the cake. However,, mine is never done in the time you list. It is still very runny in the middle. I make sure I preheat the oven for 30 minutes and use an oven thermometer to make sure it is at 350 degrees before putting it in. What is wrong?

    Reply
    • Suzanne Murphy

      December 24, 2022 at 2:45 pm

      Not all ovens heat evenly. Check your oven temp with a thermometer made for that purpose, not a candy or oil thermometer. It's not expensive and it hangs on the rack so you can test the temp in different spots. It is important that it hangs and does not sit on the oven rack. You want to measure the air, not the metal rack.. Hope this helps! ☺️

      Reply
  14. Sarah from Wandercooks

    October 15, 2022 at 11:10 pm

    5 stars
    New favourite cake recipe! Nice and soft, and baked perfectly for us in 30 minutes.

    Shared it with the parents too with rave reviews. Will be making this again very soon!

    Reply
    • Kristi

      October 16, 2022 at 11:26 am

      Thanks so much for your comment, Sarah! We love this one, too. And so easy!

      Kristi

      Reply
  15. Lorelei

    November 30, 2022 at 9:52 am

    I have made the Swedish Almond Cake and just love it! However, my loafs always seem to have a dome on top where yours appear to be more level. Any suggestions?

    Also, have you ever tried white whole wheat flour?

    Reply
    • Kristi

      December 04, 2022 at 4:01 pm

      Hi Lorelei,
      So glad you enjoyed it! Mine domes sometimes but I haven't quite put together why it happens (it seems kind of inconsistent). I've never tried it with the white whole wheat but I bet it would be just fine!
      Kristi

      Reply
  16. Lori Adams

    December 04, 2022 at 3:44 pm

    5 stars
    I found this recipe in the Swedish American newspaper Nordjsternan. We love it. I have 7 siblings. Last Christmas, I delivered one to each of their homes. It comes out perfect every time! Thank you for such a great recipe. Looking for other recipes to use my pan for!

    Reply
  17. Kristi

    December 04, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    Hi Lori! Thanks for your comment. So glad you enjoy the cake! Give this mjuk pepparkaka (https://true-north-kitchen.com/swedish-spice-cake-mjuk-pepparkaka/) a try if you want another use for your pan. It's really yummy...kind of like gingerbread.
    Kristi

    Reply
  18. Joan Fairley

    December 10, 2022 at 12:16 pm

    What if you only have 2% milk will that work?

    Reply
    • Kristi

      December 10, 2022 at 1:01 pm

      Hi Joan,
      Yes! That should work just fine.
      Kristi

      Reply
  19. Joan Fairley

    December 10, 2022 at 1:56 pm

    Thank you!

    Reply

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