Description
This Nordic cake features a moist sponge base topped with a fluffy meringue and crunchy hazelnuts, finished with a delicate cream and yoghurt topping, and fresh cherries.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the sponge cake
- 150g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150g white sugar
- 150g plain flour
- 1 1/2 tsps baking powder
- 5-6 egg yolks
- 100ml milk
For the meringue
- 6 egg whites
- 300g white sugar
- 150g hazelnuts, roughly chopped
For the topping
- 500ml whipping cream
- 300g sheep's yoghurt
- fresh berries, eg stoned cherries (500g) (alternatively fruit puré or preserved fruit)
- 1-3 tbsps Frederiksdal Cherry wine or liqueur
- fresh lemon verbena to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (155°C fan).
- For the sponge cake: In a bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. In another bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Gradually beat one egg yolk at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, then alternately add the flour mixture and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly in a lined baking pan.
- For the meringue: In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, whisking until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks. Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
- Spread the meringue over the sponge cake batter in the pan.
- Bake for about 1 hour, or until the meringue is golden and crisp. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- For the topping: Whip the heavy cream by hand until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sheep yoghurt.
- Toss the cherries in cherry wine or liqueur to enhance their flavor.
- To assemble, spread the cream-yoghurt mixture over the cooled cake, and top with the marinated cherries.
Notes
This cake is traditionally Norwegian and known as Kvæfjordskake. Substitute sheep yoghurt for a lighter filling. Use seasonal fruits for topping; cherries are especially recommended. Save cherry stones for making cherry liqueur. Whisk cream by hand to avoid overwhipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 150