Norwegian Almond Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the baking pan
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
3. Add eggs and extracts
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Combine dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground almonds, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Bake the cake
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and serve
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. This cake can be served at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea.