If you love desserts that strike the perfect harmony between cozy comfort and elegant flavor, the Almond Cake is truly something special. This classic European-inspired cake features a moist, buttery crumb and an unmistakably nutty aroma that will have everyone swooning at first bite. The marriage of creamy butter, sweet almonds, and a hint of vanilla makes it ideal for any occasion, from a simple afternoon tea to a celebratory gathering. Trust me, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this Almond Cake will become one of your go-to treats to share with your favorite people.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be genuinely surprised at how few ingredients can create such an irresistible Almond Cake. Every item has a purpose: from rich butter for moistness to ground almonds for depth of flavor, each ingredient plays its part in building taste and texture you’ll remember. Have a look at this simple but absolutely essential lineup:
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Brings luscious richness and perfectly moist texture to your cake.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens just enough and helps with that delicate golden crust.
- Large eggs (4): Add structure and ensure every slice is tender and soft.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Delivers that irresistible, quintessential almond scent and flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors and adds a hint of warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the foundation for structure and a light crumb.
- Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Guarantees a perfectly risen, airy cake every time.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet and nutty notes in the cake.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Makes the batter smooth and adds an extra boost of tenderness.
- Finely ground almonds / almond flour (1/2 cup): Intensifies flavor and keeps the crumb soft.
- Sliced almonds (1/4 cup, for topping): Give your Almond Cake that signature, toasty crunch up top.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): Just a quick sprinkle transforms your cake into a showpiece.
How to Make Almond Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Let’s get started by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot and ready to create a golden, perfectly baked Almond Cake. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan or a springform pan, and be sure to grease it generously with butter and a dusting of flour. This prevents sticking and gives your cake those smooth, clean edges when you unmold.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color—this is key to creating a cake with a tender, airy crumb. Don’t rush this step; the extra minute or two will make all the difference.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Add your eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. This helps everything emulsify into a velvety batter. Now’s the perfect moment to stir in both the almond extract and vanilla extract, releasing those warm, inviting aromas that give Almond Cake its magic.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the ground almonds or almond flour. This ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly dispersed, so your cake bakes up nice and even without any dense spots.
Step 5: Mix and Alternate
Gradually add the dry mixture to your butter-egg base, alternating it with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—overmixing can toughen the cake. You’ll notice the batter is thick and fragrant at this stage, which is exactly what you want.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the surface for that extra crunch and a rustic, bakery-style look. It’s a small touch that really makes the Almond Cake memorable.
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Pop your cake into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack. Once it’s completely cool, dust generously with powdered sugar. Voilà! Your beautiful Almond Cake is ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Almond Cake
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar over the top is an absolute classic—simple yet breathtaking. You might also scatter a few extra sliced almonds for more crunch, or add a touch of edible flowers or fresh berries to brighten up your presentation. For special occasions, consider a drizzle of homemade almond glaze to really amp up that nutty vibe.
Side Dishes
Almond Cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, especially raspberries or strawberries, which add a juicy tartness to balance the cake’s sweetness. A cloud of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns this into a dreamy, restaurant-worthy dessert. A freshly brewed cup of tea or coffee on the side, and you’ve got yourself pure happiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful twist, slice Almond Cake into thin fingers and serve as part of a dessert platter with other petite sweets. You can layer pieces of the cake with whipped cream and berries in parfait glasses for an easy, crowd-pleasing trifle. Or go elegant with single slices plated alongside a drizzle of berry coulis or chocolate sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Almond Cake, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it in the fridge, where it’ll stay moist for up to four days. Each time you unwrap it, you’ll notice how the almond flavor becomes even more pronounced and lovely.
Freezing
Almond Cake freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without powdered sugar) tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving. Dust with powdered sugar right before enjoying for the prettiest finish.
Reheating
There’s something so comforting about a slightly warm slice of Almond Cake. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm larger portions gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5–10 minutes. This restores the fresh-baked texture and brings out those delicious almond aromas all over again.
FAQs
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Absolutely! Almond meal can be used in place of almond flour for this Almond Cake. The result will be slightly more rustic and dense from the coarser grind, but still delivers a wonderful nutty flavor and moist texture.
How do I know when my Almond Cake is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached—no runny batter. The top should also look golden and feel springy to the touch.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite dairy-free butter alternative and use almond or oat milk in place of regular milk. The Almond Cake will still be rich and flavorful with a lovely crumb.
What’s the best way to grind almonds for this cake?
If you don’t have pre-made almond flour, pulse blanched, peeled almonds in a food processor until finely ground. Just be sure to stop before it turns into almond butter. Sift out any large pieces to keep the texture smooth.
Is this Almond Cake gluten-free?
As written, the cake isn’t gluten-free due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can swap in a good-quality gluten-free flour blend to make a wonderful gluten-free version that everyone will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and impressive, you truly can’t go wrong with this Almond Cake. I hope you give it a try soon and share it with people you love—the simple ingredients, easy steps, and delightful flavor will have you making this cake again and again!
Print
Almond Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of this delicious Almond Cake. With a moist crumb and a hint of almond sweetness, this simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 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
For Dusting:
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add almond and vanilla extracts.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and almond flour. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle sliced almonds on top, and bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with fresh berries or whipped cream.
- For extra richness, drizzle with a simple almond glaze made from powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
