Poor Man'S Cakes(Fattigmann)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Norwegian

Poor Man's Cakes, also known as Fattigmann, are crispy, sweet treats with delicate folds and a hint of cardamom. Perfect for festive occasions or as a comforting snack, they are lightly fried and dusted with powdered sugar, offering a delightful crunch and rich flavor that appeals to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 whole egg
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 4 Tbsp. cream
  • 4 tsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom
  • 1 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Beat the egg and egg yolks slightly in a bowl.
  2. Add cream, sugar, melted butter, and ground cardamom to the eggs and mix well.
  3. Gradually add flour to form a soft dough, handling as little as possible.
  4. Roll out the dough on a floured cloth to about 1/8 inch thickness.
  5. Cut the dough into 2 x 2-inch diamond shapes.
  6. Make a slit in the center of each diamond and pull one end through the slit to form a ring.
  7. Heat lard in a deep fryer or heavy pan until hot.
  8. Fry the dough pieces until lightly browned and crispy, about 2-3 minutes.
  9. Drain on brown paper to remove excess oil.
  10. Allow to cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure you don't overwork the dough when adding flour. If you don't have lard, vegetable oil can be a good substitute for frying. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour while rolling out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful cakes as a snack or dessert, dusted with powdered sugar. They pair beautifully with a side of Lime Avocado Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Poor Man's Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving, as they can become soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Poor Man'S Cakes(Fattigmann) contains roughly 587 calories, with 6g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value).

587 kcal 29% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.1g 12% DV
Total Fat 53.8g 69% DV
Carbs 20.5g 7% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 72.6mg 3% DV
Potassium 183mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 471.8mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 72.3mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 3.3mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 1.3mcg 7% DV
Calcium 90.7mg 7% DV
Iron 2mg 11% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may result in a denser texture. For best results, consider using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness while adding nutritional value.

What can I do if my dough is too dry?

If your dough feels dry, add a little more cream or a splash of milk to help bind it together. Make sure to incorporate it gradually to avoid making the dough too wet.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out before rolling and frying.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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