This recipe was given to me by my friend Susanne, whose mother-in-law—Birgitta—used to bake many batches every winter. Birgitta’s recipe has less sugar and she never soaked her raisins, a detail that Susanne is also partial to. I like to add grated marzipan into the batter and a thick coat of flaked almonds on top of the cake before it goes in the oven. Although I never got the chance to meet Birgitta, her cake has become a beloved tradition in my house.
(96 grams) raisins
Boiling water
(188 grams) all-purpose flour
(10 grams) baking powder
eggs (100 grams), room temperature
(200 grams) castor sugar (see Notes)
fine sea salt
(113 grams) unsalted butter
(160 grams) sour cream, room temperature
(1 gram) ground saffron threads or tablespoons (6 grams) saffron extract (see Notes)
(130 grams) marzipan, coarsely grated (see Notes)
(14 grams) flaked almonds
Garnish: confectioners’ sugar
Notes: Castor sugar is also known as superfine, ultrafine, or baker’s sugar in the US. Granulated sugar can be used in its place., A few weeks before the first snowfall, which usually happens sometime in October, I will make a batch of saffron extract that lasts me throughout the winter months. Here is how I make it: In a small resealable heatproof jar, combine 1½ teaspoons (3 grams) saffron threads or powder and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) cognac. In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (50 grams) water and ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until water is hot and sugar is melted. Add hot syrup to saffron mixture, and let cool completely. Seal jar, and refrigerate for at least 1 week, shaking jar occasionally, before using., Both almond paste and marzipan are made from ground almonds, but the products are not interchangeable. Almond paste is coarser and less sweet than marzipan and has a crumbly, cookie dough-like consistency. Marzipan is much smoother and sweeter than almond paste and is frequently shaped into small pieces and ornately decorated to look like small fruits and vegetables.