Almond Cream Cake
Light, moist, and velvety, this Almond Cream Cake has a delightful homemade cooked frosting that perfectly complements the almond flavor. It’s an ideal dessert for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply to indulge your sweet tooth. With its unique texture and rich taste, this cake is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The almond extract infuses every bite with a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or just a weekday treat, this cake fits any celebration.
- Homemade Whipped Frosting: The frosting is light and airy, providing a perfect contrast to the dense cake.
- Customizable Decoration: Top with sliced almonds or fresh fruits for a personalized touch.
- Easy to Follow: With clear steps and simple ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your Almond Cream Cake, gather the essential tools you’ll need. This will help streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Whisk attachment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- 8 round cake pans
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Provides even mixing power and saves time when creaming butter and sugar.
- Whisk attachment: Perfect for beating egg whites until stiff peaks form, ensuring a fluffy cake texture.
- Spatula: Essential for folding in ingredients gently without deflating the egg whites.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup egg whites (plus 3 tablespoons, 6-7 large egg whites)
– 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 cups cake flour (spooned and measured carefully)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 cup 2% milk
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 2 cups 2% milk
– 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2 cups salted butter (room temperature)
– Sliced almonds and whole almonds for decorating
How to Make Almond Cream Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour two 8 round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment:
1. Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This should take about one to two minutes.
2. Pour the egg whites into another bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In the same bowl used for the egg whites:
1. Place softened butter in the bowl.
2. Cream for about two minutes using the beater blade attachment until it turns white in color.
Step 4: Add Sugar
Add granulated sugar to the creamed butter:
1. Beat until fluffy, which should take another one to two minutes.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl:
1. Mix together cake flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Set aside for later use.
Step 6: Prepare Milk Mixture
In another bowl:
1. Combine milk and almond extract.
Step 7: Mix Ingredients Together
Add dry ingredients alternately with milk into the butter-sugar mixture:
1. Start with dry ingredients followed by milk; repeat until all are combined.
Step 8: Incorporate Egg Whites
Gently fold in beaten egg whites into the batter:
1. Be careful not to over-mix as it could result in a denser cake.
Step 9: Bake Cakes
Pour batter evenly into prepared pans:
1. Bake for about 25–27 minutes or until lightly golden on top; check if they bounce back when touched.
Step 10: Cool Cakes
Allow cakes to cool in pans for about ten minutes then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 11: Make Frosting
While cakes are cooling:
1. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk flour into milk until thickened (about 12–15 minutes).
Step 12: Cool Frosting Mixture
Remove from heat and place in an ice bath for quicker cooling:
1. Stir in almond extract once at room temperature.
Step 13: Process Sugar
If you have a food processor:
1. Process granulated sugar for about one minute until finer granules form.
Step 14: Cream Butter with Sugar
Using stand mixer again:
1. Cream together salted butter with processed sugar until light and fluffy (about five minutes).
Step 15: Combine with Flour Mixture
Add cooled flour mixture into creamed butter:
1. Beat until combined; this will give it a whipped cream-like texture.
Step 16: Assemble Cake
Once cakes are cool:
1. Place one layer on a serving plate, frost on top, then add the second layer.
Step 17: Decorate Cake
Use remaining frosting on top and sides of the cake,
then decorate as desired with sliced almonds or whole almonds on top.
Enjoy your beautifully made Almond Cream Cake, perfect for sharing!
How to Serve Almond Cream Cake
Almond Cream Cake can be enjoyed in various delightful ways, enhancing its rich flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or just treating yourself, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Berries
- Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complement the cake’s sweetness and add a refreshing tang.
Serve with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream creates a creamy contrast to the velvety almond cake.
Add Ice Cream
- Vanilla or almond-flavored ice cream offers a decadent pairing that melts beautifully against the warm cake.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds an indulgent touch, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the cake.
How to Perfect Almond Cream Cake
To achieve the perfect Almond Cream Cake, follow these simple tips for optimal results. These suggestions will help ensure your cake turns out light, fluffy, and irresistibly delicious.
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Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like butter and eggs should be at room temperature for better emulsification, leading to a lighter texture.
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Measure flour accurately: Spoon flour into measuring cups instead of scooping directly to prevent packing and ensure the right amount is used.
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Don’t overmix: Gently fold in the egg whites to maintain their airiness; overmixing can result in a denser cake.
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Test for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when fully baked.
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Cool completely before frosting: Allowing the cakes to cool helps prevent melting your frosting and keeps it looking pristine.
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Decorate just before serving: For the best presentation, add almonds and any garnishes right before serving to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Almond Cream Cake
Serving delicious side dishes alongside your Almond Cream Cake can create an unforgettable dessert experience. Here are some delightful options that pair beautifully with this cake:
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Chilled Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the cake.
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Cream Cheese Mousse: Light and fluffy, this mousse complements the almond flavor while adding an extra layer of creaminess.
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Chocolate Fondue: Perfect for dipping fruit or pieces of cake, chocolate fondue adds an interactive element to dessert time.
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Almond Biscotti: These crunchy treats echo almond flavors and make for a delightful snack alongside each slice.
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing, tart sorbet cleanses the palate between bites of sweet almond cake.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes from coffee balance sweetness while enhancing flavors in both dessert and drink.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice provides an extra layer of indulgence that diners will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking an Almond Cream Cake can seem straightforward, but several common pitfalls can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients – Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and affect the cake’s texture.
- Overmixing the batter – Once you add the egg whites, mix gently. Overmixing can make your cake dense instead of fluffy.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Spoon and level your cake flour. Too much flour can lead to a dry cake.
- Ignoring cooling times – Let the cakes cool completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
- Skipping flavoring adjustments – Adjust almond extract to your taste preference. This will enhance the flavor profile of your Almond Cream Cake.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacked to prevent sticking.
Freezing Almond Cream Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Almond Cream Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350ºF, cover in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop – Use a skillet on low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re still unsure about making this Almond Cream Cake, here are some commonly asked questions:
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk in Almond Cream Cake?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk for regular milk; however, it may slightly alter the flavor.
How do I ensure my Almond Cream Cake stays moist?
Make sure not to overbake your cake and store it properly after cooling to retain moisture.
What should I do if my frosting is too runny?
If your frosting is runny, try chilling it in the refrigerator for a bit or adding more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I use different nuts instead of almonds?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts or pecans for different flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Almond Cream Cake is not only light and moist but also offers incredible versatility. You can customize it with various extracts or nut toppings to suit your taste. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this delightful cake is sure to impress!
Almond Cream Cake
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the heavenly taste of Almond Cream Cake, a light and velvety dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This exquisite cake features a rich almond flavor complemented by a fluffy homemade whipped frosting that adds a delightful touch. Ideal for birthdays, weddings, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this cake will impress with its unique texture and elegant presentation. Whether you choose to decorate with sliced almonds or fresh fruit, every bite of this moist cake promises to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup egg whites (plus 3 tablespoons, 6–7 large egg whites)
- 1 cup salted butter (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups cake flour (spooned and measured carefully)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup 2% milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups 2% milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups salted butter (room temperature)
- Sliced almonds and whole almonds for decorating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare two 8" round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
- In a stand mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; set aside.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until fluffy in the same bowl.
- Combine dry ingredients (cake flour, salt, baking powder) in a separate bowl.
- Mix dry ingredients alternately with milk and almond extract into the butter mixture.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites.
- Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25–27 minutes until golden.
- Cool cakes before frosting with homemade whipped frosting made from milk, flour, and more almond extract.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
