Almond Cake

Often the most straightforward cake recipes are the best. With sweet notes of almond, a subtle nutty flavor and a wonderfully tender crumb, this easy almond cake falls into that category. It’s made with just seven ingredients, and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and toasted sliced almonds dress up the top.

Almond paste, which you can find at most grocery stores (or make from scratch), is key. It provides the texture and flavor that make this cake a standout. With very little prep, you’ll have a homemade cake ready in just over one hour. Serve this almond cake as-is or spruce it up for any special occasion with fresh fruit, lemon curd or a dollop of dreamy fresh whipped cream.

Ingredients for Almond Cake

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• Almond paste: Made with blanched almonds, sugar and glycerin, almond paste provides flavor and adds moisture and richness. You can find it in the grocery store baking aisle, or you can easily make almond paste from scratch.
• Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness to the batter and creates a tender crumb for the cake.
• Butter: Softened butter provides rich flavor and a soft texture for this almond cake recipe. There are a few tricks to soften butter quickly in a pinch.
• Eggs: Eggs bind ingredients and provide richness in the batter. For better incorporation, use room-temperature eggs for baking.
• Almond extract: A small amount of almond extract is added to the batter to enhance the cake’s flavor.
• All-purpose flour: This cake requires only 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, but that small amount is still crucial. It provides structure for the rich, tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Baking powder helps make the almond cake rise. If your baking powder has been sitting in the pantry for a while, do a quick baking powder test to ensure it’s still fresh.
• Sliced almonds: Toasted sliced almonds become a garnish for this cake. They add a wonderful nutty flavor and a touch of crunch on top.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Dust the top of the cake with confectioners’ sugar before serving for a beautiful topping.

Directions

Step 1: Cream the butter and sugar

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round baking pan and line it with parchment. In a large bowl, combine the almond paste, sugar and butter, and beat until well combined, four to five minutes. Beat in the eggs and almond extract.

Step 2: Add the dry ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the flour and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture just until combined.

Editor’s Tip: For a lighter, more tender cake texture, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix in the dry ingredients only until the streaks of flour disappear.

Step 3: Bake the cake

Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool the cake completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, invert the cake onto a plate and remove the parchment. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds and confectioners’ sugar.

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Almond Cake Variations

• Incorporate citrus: Just a touch of citrus can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of this almond cake recipe. Consider adding a small amount of lemon or orange zest in the batter.
• Add a glaze: Combine confectioners’ sugar and water to make a simple glaze. Add a small amount of vanilla or almond extract to change the flavor.
• Top with frosting: Prefer a frosted cake? Go for it! Pair this almond cake with a creamy chocolate frosting, cream cheese frosting or blackberry frosting.

How to Store Almond Cake

To preserve its freshness and moisture, store this almond cake covered or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last up to three days at room temperature or up to five days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze almond cake?

Almond cake freezes very well. Be sure to wrap the cake in storage wrap and another layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Freeze the cake for up to two months and thaw at room temperature before serving again.

Almond Cake Tips

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Can you make almond cake in a different pan?

You can make almond cake in an 8-inch square cake pan or make almond cupcakes by dividing the batter into lined cupcake pan wells. You may need to adjust the baking time.

How can you tell when the almond cake is fully baked?

You’ll know this almond cake recipe is done baking when it looks set and lightly golden. To double-check it has finished baking, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s time to take the cake out of the oven.

What can you serve with almond cake?

Serve almond cake for afternoon tea or on a brunch buffet. It’s excellent on its own or paired with several toppings. Dress up the cake with fruit sauce, lemon curd or fresh berries. You can also top slices of almond cake with homemade whipped cream or a scoop of gelato or ice cream. Pistachio, lemon or coconut would be excellent flavor pairings.