Verdens Beste, translating to “World’s Best” in Norwegian, is a layered meringue and custard cake that absolutely lives up to its name. This show-stopping dessert features a delicate, crispy meringue base topped with a rich, vanilla custard and a generous layer of toasted almonds. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, making it a beloved classic for celebrations and special occasions.

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more, look no further than Verdens Beste. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the magic of this Norwegian delight!

Table of Contents

Unveiling the Delicious Layers: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meringue:

6 large egg whites, at room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Vanilla Custard:

6 large egg yolks
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
⅓ cup (40g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups (600ml) whole milk

For the Toppings:

1 cup (100g) sliced almonds, toasted
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)

Tools of the Trade: Gathering Your Baking Essentials

Two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans
Parchment paper
Electric mixer
Two saucepans (one medium, one large)
Whisk
Rubber spatula
Sifter
Serving platter

Crafting the World’s Best: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Meringue Base:

Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a clean and dry bowl of your electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they hold stiff peaks.
Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuously beating on high speed until the meringue is glossy and thick.
Gently fold in the white vinegar and cornstarch using a rubber spatula.
Divide the meringue evenly between the prepared cake pans and spread it into even layers.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the meringues are dry and lightly golden.
Let the meringues cool completely in the pans before moving on to the next step.

2. Create the Creamy Vanilla Custard:

While the meringues are baking, prepare the vanilla custard.
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and flour until smooth.
In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
Gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Pour the mixture back into the large saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the custard cool slightly before assembling the cake.

3. Assembling the Verdens Beste:

Place one meringue layer on your serving platter.
Spread half of the vanilla custard evenly over the meringue.
Sprinkle half of the toasted almonds over the custard.
Carefully place the second meringue layer on top and repeat the layers of custard and almonds.
Dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for an extra touch of elegance (optional).

Tips and Tricks for Baking Perfection:

Room temperature egg whites are crucial for achieving maximum volume in your meringue.
Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
Don’t overcook the custard, or it may become grainy.
Allow the cake to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to settle.

Verdens Beste Cake Slices

FAQs About Verdens Beste:

Can I make Verdens Beste ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Can I freeze Verdens Beste?

While freezing isn’t recommended as it can affect the texture of the meringue, you can store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What can I substitute for almonds?

Feel free to get creative with the toppings! Chopped pistachios, hazelnuts, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder would be delicious alternatives.

A Taste of Heaven: Enjoy the World’s Best Cake

Verdens Beste is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Every bite is a delightful symphony of textures and flavors that will transport you to a land of pure indulgence.

So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this culinary adventure. We’re confident that once you’ve tasted Verdens Beste, you’ll understand why it’s hailed as the “World’s Best Cake.”

Happy Family Enjoying Verdens Beste Cake

Don’t forget to share your baking triumphs with us! Leave a comment below and tell us about your Verdens Beste experience.

Happy baking!

Article by Family Cuisine

We are the food lovers, the taste testers, the kitchen experimenters who make up the familycuisine.net team. We're chefs, home cooks, and culinary enthusiasts who have come together to share our passion for food with you. With the help of AI, we're able to bring you the most delicious, reliable, and exciting content from around the world.