Description
This Delicious Citrus Almond Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining the nutty richness of finely ground almonds with the bright zest of lemon and orange. Perfect for any occasion, this cake offers a tender crumb thanks to the combination of butter, eggs, and milk, and is easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup finely ground almonds
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure they are evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to aerate the batter for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Citrus Zest: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, fold in the lemon and orange zest for a vibrant citrus flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the whole milk until the batter is smooth and homogenous. Be careful not to overmix as this could make the cake dense.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Ensure the butter is softened, not melted, for better creaming and texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the cake moist; check for doneness early.
- Ground almonds can be made by finely grinding whole almonds if not available pre-ground.
- Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze for extra sweetness.
