Swedish Almond Cake Recipe | Ikea Almond Cake
Swedish almond cake (Mandeltårta) is a cake that is made with two layers of almond meringue cake, in between there is a rich cream and all the cake is covered with toasted sliced almonds, which gives the cake its beautiful look. This cake is also known as Ikea almond cake as Ikea selling this cake at their stores. This beautiful cake is light, not too sweet, easy to make, gluten free and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
While the classic flourless almond cake is quite popular, this Swedish almond cake recipe is a hidden gem that not many people are familiar with. Mandeltårta (also known as IKEA almond cake) is among my top three gluten-free cake recipes, and there’s a good reason for this.
I originally published this video recipe in May 2021 and edited this written version on October 24.
🇸🇪 What Is Swedish Almond Cake
The Swedish Almond Cake, or Mandeltårta, is a delicious, layered dessert with a unique combination of textures and flavors. Known to many as the “IKEA almond cake” due to its popularity in the furniture store’s café, this cake has a nutty almond base layered with a rich and creamy custard. Its key ingredients—ground almonds and a silky custard filling made with egg yolks, butter, and vanilla—create a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. Topped with toasted almond flakes, the Swedish Almond Cake has a beautifully rustic look and a delicate crunch. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free dessert, this cake is a true hidden gem among flourless desserts, balancing sweetness with a subtle nutty flavor in every bite.
Why is it Called the IKEA Almond Cake?
The Swedish Almond Cake earned its nickname, the “IKEA cake,” due to its widespread popularity at IKEA cafés worldwide. This dessert became iconic because IKEA introduced millions of people to the unique flavors of Swedish cuisine through their menu, including this delightful almond cake, or Mandeltårta. Its creamy almond custard filling and soft meringue base quickly made it a customer favorite, so much so that many began referring to it as the “IKEA almond cake.” For fans of IKEA’s food offerings, this cake embodies a taste of Swedish tradition.
How to Make Swedish Almond Cake
Prepare the Almond Cake Layers: Begin by preheating your oven and preparing two round cake pans. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in the almonds to maintain the cake’s light, meringue-like texture. Bake until golden and set aside to cool.
Make the Cream Filling: Whisk egg yolks and sugar together. Heat cream to a simmer, then slowly combine with the yolk mixture, stirring constantly until thickened. Chill the mixture before beating it with softened butter for a creamy, custard-like filling.
Assemble and Decorate: Layer the Swedish almond cake with cream between each layer. Finally, coat the cake with toasted almond slices for a beautiful finish. Chill before serving for the best flavor.
The full, detailed recipe is below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. In fact, the flavors often improve after chilling overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Absolutely! This Swedish almond cake is naturally gluten-free since it uses ground almonds instead of flour.
Almond flour is typically finer and made from blanched almonds, while ground almonds may include the skin, resulting in a coarser texture. Either works for this recipe, but ground almonds offer a more traditional texture.
How to Store
To store Swedish Almond Cake, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will preserve the cake’s moistness and the creamy texture of the filling. If you need to make it ahead, the flavors often develop nicely after a day in the fridge, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Store it in the freezer for up to a month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
More Dessert Recipes
If you enjoyed this delicious Swedish Almond Cake recipe, you might also like these amazing flourless dessert recipes:
Swedish Almond Cake Recipe | Ikea Almond Cake
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 4 Eggs whites
- Pinch Salt
- ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp (75 g) Sugar
- 1 cup + 2 Tbsp (140 g) Ground almonds
For the cream:
- 4 Egg yolks
- ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp. Tbsp. (75 g) Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 100 ml (100 ml) Heavy cream
- 9 Tbsp (130 g) Butter unsalted, softened
For decoration:
- Sliced almonds
Instructions
- Make the cake: Preheat oven to 170C (340F). Grease two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with butter, and line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease the parchment as well, and set aside.
- In a large clean bowl, place egg whites and pinch of salt. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until foamy, then gradually add the sugar, beat until stiff peak form.
- Gradually fold ground almonds into the meringue. Do not over fold. Divide the batter between prepared pans.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Make the cream: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with sugar and set aside.
- In a small saucepan bring the cream to a gentle simmer. Gradually pour hot cream into the egg yolk mixture while constantly whisking. Transfer the mixture back into the saucepan and cook until thicken, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and stir, transfer the mixture into a bowl, cover and place in the fridge for 1 hour.
- In a large bowl beat softened butter. Gradually add chilled cream and whisk until combined. Add 2-3 tablespoons at the time.
- Place 1 cake layer on a place or a cake stand, the spread a layer of cream, then top with the second layer cake. Spread the cream on top and sides of the cake.
- Decoration: Toast almond flakes on a dry pan just until golden, allow them to cool. Then, decorate the side and top of the cake with toasted almond flakes.
- Keep the cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- Watch the Video: For a better understanding of the recipe, I always recommend watching the video recipe, which includes a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.
- FAQs: Make sure you read the FAQs for this recipe which are located above the recipe box for additional tips and troubleshooting! For extra tips and variations read the article.
I just made this recipe. Taste good . But next time I’m going to adding Almond Extract. And using unsalted butter.
Pretty much salty when I was tasting. So omit saltiness .
Rather than that I’m going to make again.
Thanks.
Made this cake today but switched the sugar with monkfruit sweetener to keep it low carb. Cake is delicious and quite easy to make. The filling and frosting is so good I would be tempted to eat it by itself
Made this cake today. The crust didn’t rise in the oven. Came out flat as a pancake. I think this is because there were no flower. The taste is good, the look is disappointing.
This cake is pretty decent but next time i am going to add extra sugar and almonds
Just wondering, you don’t add any flour or starch for the cream and cake,right.
Correct
we loved it. and it was pretty simple to make.
Made it yesterday and served it today. Everybody loved the cake.
Hello, i cant eat heavy cream, in what can i replace it? Also the butter is unsalted, right?