Swedish Visiting Cake with Mackmyra Whisky Glaze
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
This cakes comes together in under an hour so you’ll be ready to entertain even the most last-minute guests.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 cup (240 ml) sugar + extra for sprinkling
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Swedish whisky, such as Mackmyra
- 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
- Scant 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 stick {8 tbsp} (115 g) butter, melted & cooled
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sliced almonds
Glaze
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp Swedish whisky
- 1-2 tsp water
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees {or 325 degrees if using ceramic dish}. Prepare a 9 inch cake pan, cast iron skillet, or ceramic baking dish by greasing liberally with butter.
- Combine sugar and lemon zest well by rubbing together with fingers or by using a stand mixer until fragrant and slightly moistened.
- Add eggs and beat until the mixture becomes pale. Add vanilla extract and whisky and mix until combined.
- In a small bowl combine flour, cardamom, and salt. Sprinkle flour mixture into wet mixture a bit at a time and mix until just incorporated.
- Fold or mix in cooled butter until the batter is uniform.
- Pour batter into greased dish or pan. Sprinkle with almonds and extra sugar.
- Bake for about 25 minutes if using a ceramic dish, or 25-30 minutes if using a cake pan. It is ready when the top of the cake begins to turn golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp Swedish whisky and 1 tsp water. Mix until smooth and a drizzling consistency is reached.
- Drizzle over cake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Baking
- Cuisine: Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Swedish visiting cake and why is it baked in a cast iron skillet?
A visiting cake (Besökskaka) is a simple almond-scented Swedish cake traditionally made when guests arrive unexpectedly. The recipe calls for a 9-inch cake pan, cast iron skillet, or ceramic baking dish — the cast iron and ceramic options require a slightly lower temperature (325°F) than a standard pan (350°F) to account for their heat retention.
What does Mackmyra whisky add, and what can I substitute if I can’t find it?
Mackmyra is a Swedish single malt whisky; just 1 tsp goes into the batter and another 1/2 tsp into the glaze, giving the cake a subtle smoky warmth that complements the cardamom and lemon zest. Any good single malt whisky works as a substitute.
How do I tell when this cake is done baking?
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the top begins to turn golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). The sliced almonds and extra sugar sprinkled on top will also turn golden as a visual cue. 
Looks like a lovely cake. I love quick cakes like this, might even make it this afternoon. Thanks.