Description
Classic almond cake brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dessert table with elegant simplicity. Delicate ground almonds and pure vanilla create a rich, moist experience you’ll savor with each tender bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) almond paste
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Topping Ingredients:
- ½ cup (50 grams) sliced almonds
- 1 to 2 tablespoons (12 to 25 grams) granulated sugar
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C) and positioning the rack centrally. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and apply a generous butter coating to prevent sticking.
- Disintegrate almond paste in a food processor, gradually adding granulated sugar and pulsing until achieving a fine, uniform consistency.
- Blend softened butter into the mixture, processing continuously until the texture becomes smooth and creamy, breaking down any dense clusters.
- Introduce eggs and almond extract to the processor, mixing thoroughly and carefully scraping down the bowl’s sides to ensure complete integration.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a homogeneous batter without overmixing.
- Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to distribute evenly and gently tap the pan against the counter to release potential air bubbles.
- Artfully arrange sliced almonds across the batter’s surface, sprinkling granulated sugar in two separate layers for optimal coverage and caramelization.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 24-27 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
- Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest in the pan for 35-40 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Serve elegantly, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or accompanying with freshly whipped cream and seasonal berries.
Notes
- Almond-packed goodness transforms ordinary cake into an extraordinary dessert experience.
- Sliced almonds create a delightful crunchy crown, adding texture and visual appeal to the cake’s surface.
- Pulsing almond paste with sugar breaks down chunks, ensuring a smooth, even distribution throughout the batter.
- Softened butter blends seamlessly, providing rich moisture and helping create an incredibly tender crumb.
- Almond extract amplifies the nutty flavor, making each bite intensely aromatic and deeply satisfying.
- Gentle tapping of the pan before baking eliminates unwanted air bubbles, guaranteeing a perfectly uniform cake texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg