Ambrosiakaka is a traditional Scandinavian dessert, particularly popular in Sweden, and it’s often made during holidays or festive occasions. The name “Ambrosiakaka” translates roughly to “Ambrosia cake,” with “ambrosia” being the food of the gods in Greek mythology. It’s a delicious, moist cake typically made with fruit, whipped cream, and a light sponge-like texture. The cake is often enjoyed for special events like birthdays or Christmas.Here’s a simple recipe for Ambrosiakaka:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream (whipped)
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for sweetening the cream)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can of mandarin oranges (drained)
- Fresh fruit (such as berries, banana slices, or kiwi, optional)
- Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round or square cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and milk, and mix until combined. Then stir in the melted butter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Prepare the Topping:
- Whip the heavy cream with the sugar (if using) and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
- Drain the mandarin oranges well, and pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake is cooled, slice the cake in half horizontally (optional, but helps with layering).
- Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer of the cake.
- Arrange the mandarin oranges evenly over the cream, and add any additional fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, if desired.
- Place the second layer of cake on top and spread more whipped cream on top. Garnish with additional mandarin oranges, fresh fruit, and shredded coconut, if using.
4. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together. This will help the cake absorb some of the creaminess, making it even more delicious.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Tips:
- Fruit variations: While mandarin oranges are traditional, you can substitute with other fruits like peaches, pineapple, or even strawberries, depending on what’s in season.
- For a fluffier texture: You can add a little bit of whipped cream into the cake batter to make it even more moist.
Ambrosiakaka is a light, creamy, and fruity cake that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s the perfect dessert for any special occasion or gathering.