Norway's celebratory almond ring cake — chewy rings of ground almond and sugar stacked into a tower and baked golden, traditionally served at festivities.
Kransekake is Norway's showstopping celebration cake — a towering ring of chewy, almond-rich layers traditionally served at weddings and on Constitution Day. It looks impressive but rests on just four humble ingredients, and the marzipan-like texture is irresistible.
Prep 30 min
Cook 12 min
Total 105 min
Medium
Video
Preparation
- Grind the almonds in an almond grinder or food processor.
- Mix the ground almonds and powdered sugar in a large bowl, add three of the egg whites, and knead with your hands until the dough comes together into a ball.
- Wrap in cling film and chill for at least an hour, preferably overnight.
- Grease the kransekake forms thoroughly and coat with semolina, flour or breadcrumbs.
- Preheat the oven to 210°C (410°F), top and bottom heat, and divide the dough into six sections.
- Slowly work the remaining egg white into the dough and knead until you can roll it into long sausages about as thick as your index finger.
- Fill the forms with the dough sausages, pinching the ends together to form rings.
- Set the forms on a baking sheet and bake in the middle of the oven for about 10–12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown.
Tips from the ZestyPlate Kitchen
- Grind the almonds finely but not to a paste; a little texture gives the cake its signature chew.
- Chilling the dough firms it so you can roll smooth, even sausages for each ring.
- Grease and coat the ring forms well so the delicate layers release cleanly.
- Watch them closely — the rings are thin and tip from golden to over-baked quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally yes, for the graduated rings. Without them you can still bake the dough as graduated circles freehand on lined trays.
Naturally, yes — it's made entirely from almonds, sugar and egg white, with no flour.
Pipe a little royal icing between the cooled rings, stacking largest to smallest, which also decorates it beautifully.
