Description
Delightful almond cake from Spain showcases Mediterranean baking traditions with simple, elegant ingredients. Nutty flavors and delicate crumb invite home bakers to explore classic European dessert craft.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz (113 g) almond paste
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ cup (50 g) sliced almonds
- 1–2 tbsps (12–25 g) granulated sugar
- Optional: powdered sugar
- Optional: whipped cream
- Optional: fresh berries
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) with rack positioned centrally. Line 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and generously butter the surface to prevent adherence.
- Mixture Foundation: Pulverize almond paste in food processor, gradually incorporating granulated sugar until achieving a fine, uniform texture. Integrate softened butter, processing continuously to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Liquid Integration: Incorporate eggs and almond extract into the processor, mixing thoroughly and scraping bowl sides to ensure complete blending. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold into wet ingredients, creating a homogeneous batter without overmixing.
- Pan Arrangement: Transfer batter to prepared pan, distributing evenly with a spatula and tapping gently to release air bubbles. Artfully scatter sliced almonds across the surface, sprinkling granulated sugar in two layers for optimal caramelization.
- Baking and Cooling: Bake for 24-27 minutes, confirming doneness with a clean toothpick test. Allow cake to rest in pan for 35-40 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling. Serve elegantly, optionally adorning with powdered sugar or accompanying with whipped cream and seasonal berries.
Notes
- Precision Matters: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, even mixing and consistent cake texture.
- Ingredient Quality: Choose high-quality almond paste and pure almond extract for a rich, authentic flavor profile.
- Mixing Technique: Pulse ingredients gently to prevent overworking the batter, which can create a dense, tough cake.
- Baking Secrets: Check cake doneness early to avoid overbaking, as almond cakes can dry out quickly in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg