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Fyrstekake from Norway

Fyrstekake

Fyrstekake is a beloved tart, traditional to Norway. · Norway

★ 4.3
Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Reviewed by the WhatWhereVacay editorial team

Fyrstekake is a beloved tart, traditional to Norway.

About Fyrstekake

Fyrstekake is a beloved tart, traditional to Norway. The dish is built around cardamom and almond.

🏛️ History & Culture

Fyrstekake, literally “prince’s cake” or “lord’s cake,” is a Norwegian tart whose exact origins are debated. It is commonly linked to the aristocracy or royal court, but no single documented story exists. The cake typically features a buttery shortcrust pastry filled with a rich almond-and-cardamom paste, then topped with a lattice or decorative crust.

Regional variations across Norway are minor, with some families adding vanilla or using a thicker almond filling. The cake holds a special place in Norwegian celebrations, especially at Christmas, weddings, and festive gatherings. Its name and refined ingredients reflect an association with elegance and hospitality, making it a cherished part of the country’s dessert tradition.

🍳 How to make Fyrstekake

AI-assisted, not kitchen-tested

Fyrstekake (Norwegian Cardamom-Almond Tart)

Fyrstekake is a classic Norwegian tart with a tender cardamom-spiced shortcrust and a rich almond filling, traditionally served with coffee or as part of a holiday table.

Prep
30 min
Cook
40 min
Total
70 min
Serves
8
Difficulty
Medium

Recipe ingredients

  • 200 g (7 oz / 1¾ cups) plain all-purpose flour
  • 100 g (7 tbsp / ½ cup less 1 tsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 50 g (¼ cup) caster sugar
  • 2 g (1 tsp) ground cardamom, preferably freshly ground green or white pods
  • 1 g (¼ tsp) fine sea salt
  • 60 ml (¼ cup) cold water, approx; add gradually
  • 150 g (5¼ oz / 1¼ cups) ground almonds (almond meal), blanched for pale filling
  • 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 120 g (½ cup / 1 stick + 1 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 whole (2 large) eggs, room temperature
  • 3 g (1½ tsp) ground cardamom
  • 15 g (2 tbsp) plain flour
  • 5 ml (1 tsp) almond extract, optional but traditional
  • 30 g (¼ cup) sliced almonds, for topping

Steps

  1. 1 Make the pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cardamom and salt. Rub in the cold butter with your fingertips until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Add cold water a tablespoon at a time, mixing gently, just until the dough comes together. Flatten into a disc, wrap in cling film and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  2. 2 Make the filling: In a stand mixer (or by hand), beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the bowl. Mix in the ground almonds, flour, cardamom and almond extract until you have a smooth, spoonable paste. Set aside.
  3. 3 Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F (fan 160°C / 325°F). Roll out two-thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface and line a 24 cm / 9½-inch tart tin (about 2.5 cm / 1 inch deep), pressing it into the base and up the sides. Trim the edges flush.
  4. 4 Spread the almond filling evenly into the shell and smooth the top. Scatter the sliced almonds over the surface.
  5. 5 Roll out the remaining pastry and cut into strips about 1.5 cm / ½ inch wide. Lay the strips in a lattice or simple crosshatch over the filling, pressing the ends gently into the rim to seal.
  6. 6 Bake on the middle rack for 35–40 minutes, until the pastry is deep golden and the filling is set: it should feel just firm in the centre and read 85–90°C / 185–194°F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the almond layer. If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  7. 7 Cool the tart fully in the tin on a wire rack — the filling firms up as it cools, so do not slice while warm. Serve at room temperature, traditionally with coffee.
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Ingredients
Steps

Fyrstekake — frequently asked questions

What is Fyrstekake?

Fyrstekake is a beloved tart, traditional to Norway. The dish is built around cardamom and almond.

What is Fyrstekake made of?

Fyrstekake is made with cardamom and almond.

Where does Fyrstekake come from?

Fyrstekake comes from Norway. Fyrstekake, literally “prince’s cake” or “lord’s cake,” is a Norwegian tart whose exact origins are debated.

Where can I eat Fyrstekake?

In Norwegian homes, fyrstekake is traditionally sliced and enjoyed with afternoon coffee, its cardamom scent filling the kitchen.

How do you make Fyrstekake?

Making Fyrstekake at home takes about 30 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cooking. The recipe on this page serves 8 and is rated medium. Full ingredient list and step-by-step method are in the recipe section above.

→ More traditional dishes from Norway

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