This very popular cake, most often prepared in a special almond cake pan, can be found at almost any American-Scandinavian get-together or holiday bazaar. Toasting the almonds adds a buttery richness to the standard recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/8 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup margarine or butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- powdered sugar for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350º. When oven has come to heat, place almonds in shallow pan and roast in oven for 8 to 10 minutes, just until lightly browned.
Cream together margarine and sugar. Stir in egg, almond extract, and milk. Sift together flour and baking powder; stir into batter until well-blended and no lumps remain.
Lightly coat an almond cake pan or loaf pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle toasted almonds in bottom of pan, and then pour batter on top.
Bake in oven until golden-brown, about 40 minutes. Cool thoroughly in pan to prevent cake from breaking when removed; sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired, before serving. Cake freezes beautifully.
Yield: 18 slices Scandinavian Almond Cake.