Almond Cake: A Simple Yet Elegant Treat
There’s something timeless and elegant about a classic almond cake. With its soft, buttery texture and rich almond flavor, this cake is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar or topping it with whipped cream and fresh berries, this Almond Cake will make any occasion feel special. It’s easy to prepare yet offers a depth of flavor that will impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Almond Flavor: Made with real almond paste, this cake has an authentic almond taste that shines through in every bite.
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this cake is perfect for when you want a homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Toppings: Serve it simply as is, or dress it up with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh berries for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 ounces almond paste
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning a rack in the middle of the oven. Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the pan. This step will help ensure your cake releases easily once baked.
2. Make the Batter
Start by crumbling the almond paste into the bowl of a food processor. Add the granulated sugar and pulse until the almond paste is finely ground. The texture should be crumbly, with the sugar evenly mixed in. Next, add the softened butter and continue processing until the mixture becomes smooth. It may form a ball initially, but keep processing until it smooths out completely.
Once the butter and almond paste are fully combined, add the eggs and almond extract. Process again until the batter is smooth and well combined, making sure to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl for an even mix.
Finally, sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pulse the mixture a few times until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated into the batter.
3. Prepare to Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release any trapped air bubbles.
For the topping, scatter half of the sliced almonds over the batter, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar on top. Repeat with the remaining almonds and sugar, creating a sweet and crunchy almond layer.
4. Bake the Cake
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 23-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be lightly golden and fragrant. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes.
Carefully remove the cake from the pan after it has cooled slightly, then transfer it back to the wire rack to cool completely.
5. Serve
This almond cake is delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature. For a simple and elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar. If you want to elevate it even further, add a dollop of whipped cream and a handful of fresh berries. The subtle sweetness and soft crumb make this cake the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
Tips for Success
- Almond Paste: Make sure to break up the almond paste well in the food processor to ensure a smooth batter. If it’s too sticky, you can freeze the almond paste for a few minutes to make it easier to handle.
- Toppings: The sliced almonds and sugar create a delightful crunchy topping, but you can also get creative with other toppings like toasted coconut or chocolate drizzle.
- Serving Ideas: While this cake is wonderful on its own, you can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 250 kcal per serving
Final Thoughts
This Almond Cake is a delightful, buttery dessert with a rich almond flavor that’s not overly sweet. It’s perfect for casual gatherings, holiday meals, or simply enjoying with an afternoon coffee. With minimal effort, you can create a beautiful cake that looks as good as it tastes. So whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade treat, this almond cake is sure to satisfy.
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Almond Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
This Almond Cake is a perfect blend of rich almond flavor and a soft, tender crumb. The almond paste creates a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and delightful, while the sliced almonds and sugar topping add a satisfying crunch. This cake is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for gatherings or a casual tea-time treat.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
Cake:
4 ounces almond paste
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
½ teaspoon almond extract
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
½ cup sliced almonds
1–2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the middle. Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease the pan.
Make the Batter: Crumble the almond paste into the bowl of a food processor. Add the granulated sugar and pulse until the almond paste is finely ground. Add the softened butter and process until smooth—it may form a ball, but keep processing until it becomes smooth. Add the eggs and almond extract, processing until well combined. Occasionally stop to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Sprinkle in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and process until the batter is fully blended.
Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Top the cake batter with the sliced almonds and sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of sugar over the almonds (layering half of the almonds and sugar first, then repeating with the remaining).
Bake: Bake the cake for 23-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the cake pan on a wire rack and cool for 30 minutes before carefully removing the cake from the pan. Return the cake to the rack to cool completely.
Serve: Serve the cake slightly warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream and fresh berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 250