Dive into the delightful world of Danish cuisine with Kransekage, a traditional Danish pastry renowned for its elegant appearance and exquisite taste. Discover the history behind this iconic treat, its significance in Danish celebrations, and learn how to create this tower of almond joy yourself. From weddings to New Year's Eve parties, Kransekage embodies the essence of Danish hospitality and culinary craftsmanship, making it a beloved treasure in Danish culture.

Here's a traditional recipe for Denmark's beloved Kransekage:

Ingredients:

• 500g almond flour
• 500g powdered sugar
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix the almond flour and powdered sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour and powdered sugar.

Add the egg whites: Gradually add the egg whites to the almond flour mixture, mixing well until a smooth, pliable dough forms.

Add flavorings: Stir in the lemon juice and almond extract, ensuring they are evenly incorporated into the dough.

Shape the dough: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into ropes about the thickness of your finger. Cut the ropes into varying lengths to create rings of different sizes.

Form the rings: Arrange the rings on the prepared baking sheets, shaping them into circles with the smaller rings nested inside the larger ones, forming a tower-like structure. Make sure to leave space between each ring as they will expand slightly during baking.

Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the Kransekage rings are golden brown and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.

Cool: Allow the Kransekage rings to cool completely on the baking sheets.

Assemble: Once cooled, carefully stack the rings on top of each other, starting with the largest ring at the bottom and ending with the smallest ring on top, to create a tower.

Decorate: Optionally, dust the assembled Kransekage tower with confectioners' sugar for a decorative finish.

Serve: Slice the Kransekage into portions and serve as a delightful treat at your celebrations.

Enjoy this traditional Danish almond cake, Kransekage, and revel in its delicious taste and festive appeal!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients used in the traditional Danish Kransekage recipe:

Almond Flour (per 100g):

• Calories: 576 kcal
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 50g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugars: 4g

benefits:

• Rich in protein and healthy fats.
• Contains fiber, which aids digestion and promotes satiety.
• Provides vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health and immune function.

Powdered Sugar (per 100g):

• Calories: 389 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 100g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sugars: 100g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness and texture to baked goods.
• Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Used in moderation, it can enhance the flavor and appearance of desserts.

Egg Whites (per large egg white, about 33g):

• Calories: 17 kcal
• Protein: 3.6g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Sugars: 0.2g

benefits:

• Low in calories and fat, but high in protein.
• Excellent source of essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
• Promotes muscle repair and growth, making it beneficial for athletes and individuals following a fitness regimen.

Lemon Juice (per tablespoon, about 15g):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0.1g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and collagen production.
• Contains citric acid, which may aid digestion by stimulating stomach acid production.
• Adds a refreshing citrus flavor to dishes and helps balance sweetness in desserts.

Almond Extract (per teaspoon, about 4.2g):

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Fat: 1.7g
• Carbohydrates: 0.2g
• Protein: 0.1g

benefits:

• Enhances the almond flavor in baked goods without adding extra bulk or texture.
• Contains essential oils and compounds that contribute to the aroma and taste of almonds.
• Provides a concentrated burst of flavor, allowing you to use less extract to achieve the desired taste.

These values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and variations of the ingredients used. Additionally, the nutritional values for the final Kransekage product would depend on the serving size and any additional ingredients or decorations used.