Almond Cake is a wonderfully moist and fragrant cake that’s perfect for a special occasion or just as a delightful treat to enjoy with tea or coffee. The almond flavor is subtle yet aromatic, making it a crowd-pleaser. Here’s a simple recipe for a delicious Almond Cake:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan (or an 8-inch square pan) or line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add Eggs and Extracts:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk (begin and end with the dry ingredients). Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’d like, sprinkle sliced almonds on top for a crunchy, nutty finish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- You can serve the almond cake as is or dust with powdered sugar for a simple presentation. It also pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Tips:
- Moisture: If you prefer a more moist cake, you can substitute some of the milk with sour cream or yogurt for a richer texture.
- Frosting: While this cake is lovely on its own, you can frost it with a simple glaze or almond-flavored buttercream to enhance the almond flavor.
- Make it a layered cake: If you want to turn it into a layered cake, you can make two layers and fill them with a creamy almond filling or jam.
Enjoy!
This Almond Cake is deliciously light and flavorful, with a beautiful balance of almond and vanilla. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Would you like more ideas for pairing it with other desserts or beverages?
