Swedish Almond Cake is a delicious and simple dessert that captures the essence of Swedish baking. With its undeniable, rich almond flavor, it’s an excellent treat for dessert or an afternoon snack — so easy to prepare too!
Locally known as ‘mandelkaka,’ this one-bowl almond cake is made with just a handful of pantry ingredients, comes together quickly, and is a beloved staple for fika.
Whether you’re a fan of Swedish cuisine or love almond-based cakes, this cake delivers authentic flavor with minimum effort.
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Why this almond cake is a keeper!
- Long shelf life. It stays moist for days and even tastes better the next day as the almond flavor deepens — making it excellent for make-ahead baking.
- Effortless elegance. You don’t need any frosting or fancy tools. This mandelkaka bakes in a simple pan and turns out golden, fancy enough for guests yet easy enough for an everyday coffee break.
- Versatile & crowd-pleasing. Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or dressed up with whipped cream — always great for Swedish breakfast, dessert, or fika.
Ingredients
(See the recipe card below for measurements.)
- Flour – you need almond flour to make this mandelkaka recipe.
- Sugar – regular granulated white sugar is excellent for making this almond cake.
- Eggs – medium-sized (63 to 73 grams per piece) and at room temperature.
- Butter – at room temperature.
- Almonds – blanched almond flakes for topping your mandelkaka.
- Salt – just use your favorite brand.
How to make Swedish almond cake
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter, lightly dust it with breadcrumbs, and then set it aside.
Combine butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Mix until it becomes creamy.
Add the eggs one at a time — continuing to mix in between each addition.
Add the almond flour and salt.
Mix to combine everything thoroughly.
Transfer your Swedish almond cake batter to the greased pan.
Use an angled spatula to smoothen the top.
Sprinkle the almond slices evenly.
Place in the oven for thirty-five to forty minutes or until it’s golden on top, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
Remove the pan from the oven and set aside to cool.
Transfer your mandelkaka to a serving plate and enjoy!
Helpful tips
- You can also use all-purpose flour to dust your cake pan — but if you have some old bread, you can easily make homemade breadcrumbs.
- The cake batter is not runny, so using a metal whisk instead of an electronic hand mixer might be challenging.
- If your granulated sugar still has big granules, use caster sugar instead — or do a couple of pulses in a food processor before combining with butter.
Recipe variation
- No almond toppings. I’ve seen some without the almond flakes — instead dusting their Swedish cake with powdered sugar for serving.
- Almond extract. I think it’s not necessary, but feel free to add some almond extract to the batter if you prefer.
Serving suggestions
Kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon buns)
Enjoy a slice of mandelkaka with kanelbullar for a quintessential fika moment. The warm spice of the buns complements the nutty sweetness of the almond cake, making it an ideal treat to pair with coffee or tea.
Swedish Almond Paste Mini Cakes (Mumma)
Create a charming almond-themed platter by adding almond paste mini cakes to the mix. Their rich, spiced flavor and petite size make them perfect companions, adding visual flair.
Blåbärsoppa (Swedish Blueberry Soup)
For warmer months, serve chilled blåbärssoppa alongside a slice of almond cake. The refreshing blueberry note cuts through the richness of the cake, making for an elegant summer snack or light dessert.
By pairing these traditional treats, you create an inviting spread that showcases the best of Swedish cuisine — from cozy fika staples to vibrant, fruit-based sweets.
So go ahead and invite some friends over to try this mandelkaka recipe! I bet it will become one of your favorites.
More Swedish recipes
A reflection of the locals’ appreciation for simplicity and balance in dishes, this cardamom sponge cake utilizes just a few pantry staples: butter, sugar, eggs, and ground cardamom. Simple ingredients, yet they deliver deep, memorable flavor.
If you still doubt how the Swedes adore almonds on their desserts, this soft cake with caramelized almond glaze will convince you. The contrast between the tenderness of the cake and the crunch of the sweet topping is simply irresistible!
GET MORE IDEAS FROM THIS LIST OF CAKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
📖 Recipe
Swedish Almond Cake Recipe (Mandelkaka)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 200 grams butter (7.05 ounces or about 1 stick + 6 & 1/2 tablespoons), room temperature
- 180 grams sugar (about 1/2 cup, heaping)
- 4 medium eggs, room temperature
- 200 grams almond flour (about 1 & 3/4 cups)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup almond flakes
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease an 9-inch cake pan with butter, lightly dust it with breadcrumbs — then set it aside.
- Combine butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix until it becomes creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time — continuing to mix in between each addition.
- Add the almond flour and salt.
- Mix to combine everything thoroughly.
- Transfer your mandelkaka batter to the greased pan.
- Use an angled spatula to smoothen the top.
- Sprinkle the almond flakes evenly.
- Place in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until it’s golden on top, and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
- Remove the cake pan from the oven and set aside to cool.
- Transfer your mandelkaka to a serving plate and enjoy!
Notes
- Cook’s Tip: You can also use flour to dust your cake pan — but if you have some stale bread left, try making homemade breadcrumbs!
- Refer to the post for more tips and suggestions.
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