Description
A classic and moist almond cake made with ground almonds and flavored with almond and vanilla extracts. This easy-to-make cake features a light, fluffy texture, perfect for dessert or teatime. Optional dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate finishing touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup ground almonds (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For Serving
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds if using, ensuring an even distribution.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine. Stir in the almond extract and vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the batter in batches, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the smooth batter evenly into the prepared cake pan, and gently smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Optional Finishing Touch: Once cool, dust the cake with powdered sugar if desired, adding a beautiful and sweet finish before serving.
Notes
- Ground almonds add extra flavor and texture but are optional.
- Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- Use an 8-inch pan to get the right cake thickness and baking time.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but enhances presentation.
