tomte cake
Discover the deliciously moist Tomte Cake, a Scandinavian treat filled with cardamom and almond flavors, perfect for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Lightly dust the pan with flour for extra protection if you’re not using parchment.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cardamom.
- Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise properly.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a softer texture.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract, enhancing the cake’s rich aroma and depth of flavor.
- If using, mix in sour cream at this stage for an extra moist texture.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk.
- Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed or gently folding with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
- If you’re adding chopped almonds, gently fold them in now to maintain a light batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the edges brown too quickly, lightly tent the cake with foil to prevent over-browning.
Step 7: Cool and Decorate
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish.
- For a more traditional Swedish touch, roll out marzipan and gently layer it over the cake, trimming any excess.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy
- Cut into generous slices and serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or warm spiced cider.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Potassium: 100mg
- Vitamin A: 8% DV
- Calcium: 4% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
