Swedish Visiting Cake

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9-inch cast-iron skillet or cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Create the sugar base
   In a large bowl, place the sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until the sugar is moist and aromatic.
3. Mix the batter
   Whisk the eggs into the sugar one at a time until well blended. Add the salt and extracts, then whisk until the mixture is smooth. Switch to a rubber spatula and gently stir in the flour. Finally, fold in the melted butter until it's fully incorporated and the batter is smooth and shiny.
4. Prepare for baking
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Scatter the sliced almonds over the batter, then sprinkle with pearl sugar if using.
5. Bake the cake
   Place the skillet or cake pan in the middle of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be set but still soft in the center.
6. Cool and serve
   Let the cake cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto a cooling rack. Turn the cake right side up and let it cool completely, or serve slightly warm. The cake is delicious on its own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.