Description
This Almond Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines the rich taste of almond flour with a tender crumb. Perfect as an elegant tea-time treat or a simple dessert, it features a delightful almond aroma enhanced by almond and vanilla extracts, topped with crunchy sliced almonds and optionally dusted with powdered sugar. Its gluten-optional recipe caters to various dietary preferences while delivering a satisfying homemade cake experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes and helps create a tender texture.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and maintain a smooth batter.
- Add Extracts: Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in two parts, alternating with the milk. Mix gently after each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender crumb.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly using a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the surface of the batter for a crunchy texture and enhanced almond flavor.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Optionally dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before slicing and serving to add a touch of sweetness and a classic finish.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
- This almond cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake light and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg