There is something truly enchanting about an Almond Cake Recipe that combines simple ingredients to create a cake bursting with nutty flavor and tender crumb. This delightful dessert is a classic favorite that brings the rich, aromatic essence of almonds into every bite. With a perfectly moist texture and a subtle crunch from sliced almonds on top, it’s the kind of cake that feels like a warm hug at teatime or a sweet ending to any meal. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious, this Almond Cake Recipe is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Almond Cake Recipe plays an important role in building its wonderful texture and flavor. From the buttery richness to the delicate almond aroma, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a truly special cake.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides a creamy richness that makes the cake tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens the batter and helps with that beautiful golden color during baking.
- Large eggs (4): Bind the ingredients and add structure, while keeping the crumb light and fluffy.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the cake with the signature nutty flavor everyone loves.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a smooth, complementary aroma that rounds out the taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The base of the cake, ensuring it holds together perfectly.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise and achieve that lovely airy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without making the cake salty.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and softens the crumb for a tender bite.
- Finely ground almonds (1/2 cup almond flour): Boosts the almond taste and adds a slight richness to the cake.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup): Sprinkled on top for a delightful nutty crunch.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A light dusting for an elegant, sweet finish.
How to Make Almond Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan. This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and releases easily once done.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This aeration step is key to creating a tender cake crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with those warm, fragrant flavors that make the almond cake so irresistible.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds. This mix blends the leavening agent with the nutty almond flour to give your cake the perfect balance of lift and texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture gradually, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, stirring gently and only until everything is just combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so handle this step with a light touch!
Step 6: Bake and Add Almond Topping
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top to toast beautifully while baking. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, signaling that your almond cake is perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar to add a pretty, sweet finish that highlights its golden almond topping.
How to Serve Almond Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but for a little extra flair, fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream complements the almond flavors beautifully. You might also drizzle a quick almond glaze made with powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk for an added touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This almond cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a dessert course, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or a bowl of mixed fresh fruit to balance the richness with bright, refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking almond cake slices with layers of mascarpone or lightly sweetened ricotta cheese for a layered trifle dessert. Or, use mini-sized versions of this cake as charming treats for a celebration, topped with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, almond cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days while staying fresh and moist. If your kitchen is warm, it’s best kept in the refrigerator—just bring it back to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
Freezing
You can freeze this almond cake for longer storage by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
When reheating, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low-heat oven for 5 minutes. This brings back the cake’s soft texture and enhances the fragrant almond aroma that makes this recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour alone, the almond flour adds moisture and a distinct nutty flavor that makes this Almond Cake Recipe unique. Omitting it will result in a less rich and slightly drier cake.
Is it necessary to use both almond and vanilla extracts?
Yes, the almond extract provides the signature almond flavor, while the vanilla extract adds depth and balances the overall taste. Using both gives the cake a wonderfully rounded flavor profile.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help maintain the texture.
What’s the best way to prevent sliced almonds from burning on top?
Sprinkle them evenly but not too thickly, and check the cake about 5 minutes before the baking time is up. If they look brown too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil for the remaining bake time.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! Adding lemon zest or a handful of fresh berries to the batter can brighten and complement the almond flavor nicely. But keep modifications balanced to maintain the cake’s delicate texture.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Cake Recipe is one of those treasured baking gems that brings joy with every bite, whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with loved ones. Its simplicity, combined with rich almond flavor and tender crumb, makes it an irresistibly comforting dessert. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and experience the cozy happiness it brings straight from the oven to your table.
Print
Almond Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Almond Cake is a moist and tender European dessert featuring the rich flavors of almond extract and almond flour. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds and dusted with powdered sugar, it’s perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion. The combination of buttery batter and almond nuances creates a simple yet elegant cake sure to please any nut lover.
Ingredients
Cake Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup finely ground almonds (almond flour)
Topping
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract to infuse the batter with fragrant almond and vanilla notes.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and almond flour. This dry mix will give structure and an almond-enhanced texture to the cake.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternating with milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can toughen the cake.
- Pour and top: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top to add a crunchy texture once baked.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and finish: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, dust the top generously with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish.
Notes
- This almond cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- For added richness and almond flavor, consider drizzling a simple almond glaze made from powdered sugar, almond extract, and a splash of milk over the cooled cake.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to cream properly with sugar.
