Sometimes, the simplest cakes are the most irresistible. This Swedish Almond Cake (Mandelkaka) is light, buttery, and infused with the delicate flavor of almonds, making it the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon fika. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a homemade cake ready in no time - ideal for those days when you crave something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Enjoy it plain and delicate, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries. However you serve it, this classic mandelkaka is proof that simple baking can be the most satisfying.
While Sweden’s famous Tosca Cake (Toscakaka) is an almond cake topped with a rich layer of caramelized sliced almonds, Mandelkaka keeps things simple, relying on almond extract to bring out its delicate flavor. If you love effortless, everyday cakes like this one, be sure to try my Swedish Sticky Chocolate Cake (Kladdkaka)—a rich, fudgy delight—or my Simple Carrot Snack Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting for a cozy, cardamom-infused treat.
Jump to:
The Ingredients
- All purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Large egg
- Milk
- Almond extract
See the recipe card below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
The Equipment
This cake is traditionally baked in 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. You can also use a regular 9 x 5 loaf pan, but baking times may vary slightly. If you invest in an almond cake pan, be sure to check out my recipe for Swedish Spice Cake (Mjuk Pepparkaka) that is baked in the same pan!
Substitutions
- Gluten Free: Substitute your favorite gluten free flour blend for the all purpose flour and proceed with the recipe as directed.
- Dairy Free: Substitute a plant-based milk and butter substitute for the traditional milk and butter.
Variations
The simplicity of this cake is very appealing, but should you feel like mixing things up a bit, give one of these delicious variations a try:
- Glazed Almond Cake: Whisk together ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1 ½-2 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract. Drizzle over the cake and sprinkle with a handful of toasted sliced almonds if desired.
- Lemon Almond Cake: Add the finely grated zest of one lemon to the batter. If you would like to add a glaze, simply swap out the milk in the glaze variation above with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Orange Almond Cake: Add the finely grated zest of one orange to the batter.
- Cardamom Almond Cake: Add up to 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom in with the other dry ingredients. If you want to add a glaze, add a little cardamom to that as well!
- Chocolate Chip Almond Cake: Fold a half cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter prior to baking.
- Berry Almond Cake: Fold one cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter prior to baking.
- Apple Almond Cake: Fold one cup of peeled and finely chopped apples to the batter prior to baking.
- Rhubarb Almond Cake: Add one cup of finely chopped rhubarb stalks to the batter prior to baking.
How to Make Swedish Almond Cake (Mandelkaka)
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Use a non-stick baking spray on the interior of the pan, even if your pan has a nonstick surface. Because of the ridges in the pan, this cake has a tendency to stick. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt together in a medium bowl.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, milk and almond extract. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth. Add the cooled, melted butter and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes or until a tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Step 4: Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes and then flip it over onto a serving tray. Cool and serve!
Expert Tips
- It is extremely important to use a nonstick baking spray, especially if you are using the traditional ribbed pan. This cake is likely to stick to the pan otherwise, especially if the surface of the pan is not nonstick.
- Be sure to place the cake pan onto a rimmed baking sheet prior to baking if you are using a Swedish almond cake pan. Otherwise it may not sit level in your oven.
- 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.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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.
Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Yes! It freezes very well. Once the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freeze safe container or bag or wrap foil around the outside. You can either do this with a whole cake or cut it up into smaller portions or individual slices. Defrost at room temperature prior to enjoying.
What to Serve with this Recipe
A cup of coffee or tea alongside a delicate slice of this cake is wonderful. You might also consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of this Whipped Vanilla Skyr Cream and possibly some fresh berries.
If you want to take things a step further, consider making a fruit compote such as this pear compote, strawberry rhubarb compote or apple compote to go alongside. These simple roasted strawberries would also be an excellent accompaniment to this Swedish Almond Cake.
Related Recipes
Looking for other easy Scandinavian cakes to enjoy for your afternoon fika? I've got several tempting options here on the blog for you to try:
If you tried this Swedish Almond Cake (Mandelkaka) recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Simple Swedish Almond Cake (Mandelkaka)
Equipment
- Scandinavian Almond Cake Loaf 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. Spray an Almond Cake Loaf Pan or a 9 x 5 loaf pan 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.
Beachhouse3
Bought the pan to make this and glad I did.
PAMELA S DOTSON
can you use salted butter
Kristi
Yes you can! Just reduce the amount of salt in the recipe down to 1/4 teaspoon.
Kristi
Carol Houghton
Excellent. First thing I am asked to bring!
Kristi
Love to hear that, Carol! It's always a winner. Thanks for your feedback!
Kristi
Maggie
Hubby's favorite cake, and friends too! I've actually given the pan, recipe and serving dish as gifts several times.
One thing I've learned is to spray the pan, then line with parchment. Comes out clean every time!
Kristi
That's a great idea! Thanks so much for your comment, Maggie!
Kristi
Tayyibah
Tried and tested recipe. Never fails !!
Kristi
Thanks so much! It is an easy go-to cake for sure. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
Kristi
Franca
This will be my go to cake it’s easy fast and so delicious!!!
J G
This has become my go-to cake for family gatherings. I have had good luck with using solid coconut oil instead of Pam to grease the pan, as I have an allergy to Canola Oil, add a little flour and it slips right out. I’ve even made gluten free versions to treat family and friends with gluten issues.
Kristi
Hi Carola,
Yes! I think that will work just fine.
Kristi
Carola
I love my friend's almond cake so I will try your recipe. Do you think I could use almond milk instead of whole milk?
Joan Fairley
Thank you!
Joan Fairley
What if you only have 2% milk will that work?
Kristi
Hi Joan,
Yes! That should work just fine.
Kristi
Kristi
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
Lori Adams
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!