Almond Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts elegant and easy, this Almond Cake is sure to win you over, just as it did me! With its golden, tender crumb and irresistible aroma, it’s the kind of cake that turns an ordinary day into a special occasion. Whether you serve it with coffee, pile on fresh berries, or simply enjoy it solo, every bite of Almond Cake brings a delightful combination of nutty depth and rich buttery flavor. It will quickly become a recipe you reach for time and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Almond Cake is in its harmonious blend of everyday pantry items and a couple of standout ingredients that set it apart. Each element is simple but plays a crucial role in achieving that soft, moist texture and signature almond flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of rich flavor and moistness, so make sure it’s fully softened for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Provides sweetness and helps create a beautifully tender crumb.
- Large eggs (4): Essential for structure and moisture, ensuring the cake is fluffy yet substantial.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): The star player that infuses the cake with its quintessential almond essence.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): Builds the cake’s basic structure, giving it enough heft to hold everything together.
- Almond flour (1/2 cup): Enhances moistness and pumps up the nutty flavor beautifully.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise perfectly for a soft, airy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies every flavor in the recipe.
- Whole milk (1/4 cup): Loosens the batter just enough for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup, for topping): Toast into a golden, irresistible crunch on top of the cake.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional): Adds a delicate, decorative finish and a hint of extra sweetness.
How to Make Almond Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a nicely even bake. Get your 9-inch round cake pan ready by greasing and flouring it generously, or simply line it with parchment paper for an easy release. A well-prepped pan means your Almond Cake comes out effortlessly, keeping every edge perfectly intact.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air, which gives the Almond Cake its gorgeous, delicate texture. Don’t rush—let the mixer work its magic for several minutes if needed!
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Crack in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual process keeps the batter smooth and prevents curdling. Stir in the almond and vanilla extracts, breathing in that sweet, nutty aroma that tells you something wonderful is on the way.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening agent is distributed evenly, guaranteeing a uniformly risen and perfectly seasoned Almond Cake.
Step 5: Bring the Batter Together
With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients to the wet in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—over-mixing can make the cake less tender, so stop as soon as it all comes together.
Step 6: Pour, Top, and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Scatter the sliced almonds evenly over the surface—these will toast up beautifully as the cake bakes. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a crumb or two.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely to set its tender crumb. If you’d like, finish things off with a generous dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, for that classic, Instagram-worthy Almond Cake look.
How to Serve Almond Cake
Garnishes
This Almond Cake truly shines with minimal decoration, but a dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate sweetness and snowy finish. For an extra flourish, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted almond slices or a handful of fresh berries to bring color and contrast to every slice. A dollop of whipped cream on the side also works wonders for both looks and flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with many simple sides. A bowl of juicy mixed berries not only adds color, but their bright flavors balance the cake’s rich, nutty notes. Try it alongside a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream, or offer espresso or tea alongside to complete your dessert spread. It’s also right at home at brunch with lightly sweetened yogurt and poached fruit.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, try transforming your Almond Cake into an elegant trifle by layering slices with whipped cream and fruit in glass cups. Or go rustic: serve thick wedges directly from the pan at a picnic or cozy kitchen gathering. You might even cut it into cubes for a dessert platter, dusted with extra powdered sugar and maybe a drizzle of honey or chocolate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Almond Cake keeps wonderfully well for a few days. Once cooled, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. The cake’s flavor actually deepens after a night or two, making the leftovers especially tempting.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole cake or individual slices in several layers of plastic wrap, then pop them into a zip-top freezer bag. This Almond Cake will be perfectly preserved for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving, and dust with fresh powdered sugar just before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring a slice of Almond Cake back to just-baked glory, zap it in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes. A slightly warm slice makes the almond aroma and buttery texture even more inviting. Try topping it with chilled cream or berries for a cozy treat.
FAQs
Can I make Almond Cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free baking mix and use only almond flour. This delivers a delicious, gluten-free treat with the same lovely texture and flavor.
What’s the secret to a moist Almond Cake?
Gentle handling is key—cream your butter and sugar well, alternate wet and dry ingredients, and don’t over-mix once everything comes together. Ingredients like almond flour and whole milk also keep the crumb tender and moist.
Can I use different nuts or extracts?
Absolutely. While almond extract and almond flour give this cake its classic taste, you could swap some or all of the almond flour with ground hazelnuts or pistachios. Try experimenting with different extracts, like lemon or orange, for a fun twist.
How do I prevent the sliced almonds from burning?
Sprinkle sliced almonds on just before baking and keep an eye on them in the last 10 minutes. If they start to over-brown, loosely tent the cake with foil to protect the topping without interrupting the bake.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, Almond Cake scales up beautifully. Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan; keep an eye on baking time since a thicker cake might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a touch of magic to your dessert table, Almond Cake is the recipe to try next. Its simple preparation, incredible aroma, and irresistible flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser. Give it a go—you might just find yourself making it for every occasion, big or small!
Print
Almond Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Almond Cake is a delightful treat with a rich almond flavor and a tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to make and impresses with its simplicity and taste.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Topping:
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in almond and vanilla extracts.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Bake: Pour batter into pan, top with sliced almonds, and bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool in pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- For a gluten-free version, use only almond flour and a gluten-free baking mix in place of all-purpose flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
