Ina Garten’s Light Almond Cake Recipe for Sweet Moments

Almond cake represents a delightful fusion of rustic charm and elegant simplicity, capturing the essence of Mediterranean baking traditions.

Soft, nutty textures dance across your palate with each tender crumb.

Delicate almond notes whisper through a light, moist landscape that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Professional bakers adore this recipe for its straightforward approach and remarkable depth of flavor.

Rich ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that speaks to pure culinary pleasure.

The subtle sweetness balances perfectly against the robust almond undertones, transforming an ordinary cake into an extraordinary experience.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises a delectable journey through nuanced flavors and irresistible textures: prepare to fall in love.

Why Almond Cake Is a Rich and Nutty Delight

• Crafting Nutty Elegance: This almond cake transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert that feels like a gourmet French bakery treat.
• Incredibly Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers who want something impressive.
• Texture Paradise: The combination of soft, tender cake interior and crunchy toasted almonds creates a delightful contrast that makes every bite exciting and multi-dimensional.
• Versatile Dessert Superstar: Whether served as an afternoon tea companion, elegant dinner party finale, or casual weekend treat, this cake adapts beautifully to any occasion while maintaining its delicious charm.

What You’ll Need for That Tender Crumb

• Almond Flour: Provides the main nutty flavor and gluten-free base for the cake, best when finely ground and fresh.
• Eggs: Adds structure and richness to the cake, room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that gives depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a tender and moist cake texture, neutral flavor works best.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Adds complex aromatic notes, pure extracts provide the best flavor.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the cake.

• Sliced Almonds: Provides crunch and nutty flavor, toasting brings out rich almond taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds visual appeal and subtle sweetness to the cake.

Steps to Bake the Ideal Almond Treat

Step 1: Prepare The Oven

Warm your oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch springform or round cake pan with cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 2: Toast Almond Slices

Spread almond slices on a small baking tray. Roast for 4-5 minutes until they transform into a golden hue. Remove quickly to prevent burning. Allow slices to cool completely.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Blend these components in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.

Step 4: Create Wet Mixture

• Eggs
• Maple syrup
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Continue mixing until the liquid becomes smooth and integrated.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir until the batter becomes uniform and silky, with no visible flour lumps.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle toasted almond slices across the surface, ensuring even distribution.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Place pan in preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.

Step 8: Cool And Rest

Remove cake from oven. Let it settle in the pan, allowing it to reach room temperature naturally.

Step 9: Final Touches

Dust the top with powdered sugar. Optional: Scatter additional raw almond slices for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Enjoy your delectable homemade almond cake!

Tips for Moist Texture and Gentle Sweetness

• Maximize Freshness: Buy almond flour from stores with high turnover to guarantee peak flavor and prevent rancidity.
• Master Mixing Technique: Gently fold ingredients to maintain air pockets, creating a lighter, more delicate cake texture.
• Perfect Pan Preparation: Use parchment paper circles alongside greasing to ensure seamless cake release without breaking.
• Customize Sweetness Levels: Blend maple syrup gradually, tasting and adjusting to match your preferred sugar intensity.
• Elevate Presentation: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a professional bakery-style finish.

Store Your Cake Without Losing Softness

• Cool Cake Storage: Place cake on a sturdy plate with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness. Seal edges completely to prevent air exposure and moisture loss.
• Freezer Protection: Slice cake into individual portions before freezing. Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn and preserve delicate almond flavor.
• Room Temperature Tip: Keep cake in a cake dome or covered container away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Check daily for optimal texture and consume within 2-3 days for best taste and quality.

Try These Flavor Variations with Confidence

• Citrus Splash Almond Cake: Zest orange or lemon into the batter for a bright, fresh flavor profile. Add a tablespoon of citrus zest when mixing wet ingredients to enhance the cake's aromatic quality.
• Spiced Almond Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy version. Sprinkle extra spices on top before baking to create a deeper, more complex taste experience.
• Chocolate Drizzle Almond dish: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the cake's surface. Scatter some chopped dark chocolate pieces on top for added richness and texture contrast.
• Honey Lavender Dream: Replace maple syrup with local honey and add a teaspoon of dried lavender buds to the dry mix. This variation brings a sophisticated, floral undertone to the classic almond cake recipe.

The Almond Cake That Lingers in Memory

Ina Garten’s almond cake whispers elegant simplicity through its nutty charm and delicate crumb.

Classic bakery techniques merge with wholesome ingredients, creating a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Almond extracts and maple syrup weave a gentle sweetness throughout each tender slice.

Home bakers can master this straightforward recipe with confidence and minimal kitchen expertise.

Golden-topped and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, this cake promises pure pleasure.

Readers who savor sophisticated yet uncomplicated desserts will adore this masterful dish – so snap a photo, share this recipe with fellow baking enthusiasts, and let culinary magic unfold in your kitchen.

Ina Garten Almond Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s almond cake delivers pure Mediterranean elegance with delicate flavor and irresistible texture. Fragrant almond essence and gentle sweetness create a luxurious dessert perfect for afternoon tea or special celebrations.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups blanched almond flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sliced raw almonds, plus more for serving

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Serving Option:

• Powdered sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare an 8-inch (20 centimeters) springform or round cake pan by lightly coating with cooking spray.
2. Scatter sliced almonds on a small baking sheet and roast for 4-5 minutes until they transform into a warm golden hue. Monitor closely to prevent burning, then remove and allow to cool completely.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
4. Whisk eggs, maple syrup, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a separate larger bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a uniform batter without overmixing.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution, and delicately scatter the toasted almond slices across the surface.
7. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a light golden top and checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest inside the pan, allowing it to cool naturally to room temperature.
9. Once completely cooled, dust the cake’s surface with powdered sugar and optionally garnish with additional raw almond slices for extra texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Experiment fearlessly with alternative flour blends to create unique textures and taste profiles.
• Chill batter briefly before baking to enhance moisture and prevent excessive spreading.
• Room temperature ingredients guarantee smoother mixing and more consistent baking results.
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near cake’s center; clean release indicates perfect baking.
• Store leftovers in airtight container at room temperature for maximum freshness up to three days.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg