If you adore almond desserts that are both comforting and sophisticated, The Best Almond Cake will absolutely steal your heart. This cake is incredibly moist, with a tender crumb, a subtly nutty aroma, and a buttery richness that makes each slice irresistible. Topped with crunchy sliced almonds and just a dusting of powdered sugar, it’s the kind of treat that feels equally at home at a festive brunch or as a cozy afternoon pairing with coffee. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find yourself turning to The Best Almond Cake again and again—because it really is that special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The Best Almond Cake is how it transforms simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into an extraordinary dessert. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that signature flavor, texture, and gorgeous golden appearance. Here’s what you’ll need—plus a few tips to help your cake shine:
- Unsalted butter, softened: Ensures a rich, tender crumb and that buttery flavor every great almond cake needs.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture, giving the cake its lovely lift.
- Almond extract: The essential ingredient for deep almond flavor—don’t skip it!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds aromatic complexity.
- All-purpose flour: Gives body to the cake while keeping the crumb light.
- Almond flour: Infuses a gentle nuttiness and extra moistness—perfect for almond cake.
- Baking powder: Provides the lift so you have a fluffy, not dense, cake.
- Salt: Brightens all the other flavors—just a pinch makes a world of difference.
- Whole milk: Adds richness and helps blend everything smoothly.
- Sliced almonds (for topping): Toast to golden perfection in the oven for extra crunch and a beautiful finish.
- Powdered sugar (optional): For that elegant final dusting—totally classic.
How to Make The Best Almond Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the very first minute. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release—you’ll be grateful when the cake slips out in one perfect piece.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for aerating the batter, helping your cake stay extra light and tender. Take your time: at least 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer works wonders here.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps maintain that beautifully smooth texture. Then, stir in both the almond and vanilla extracts. Trust me, these create that deep, irresistible flavor that makes The Best Almond Cake so memorable.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This not only ensures everything is well mixed, but it also helps prevent any lumps from sneaking into your batter.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with splashes of whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. This gentle alternation keeps the batter silky and helps everything blend together without overmixing—overmixing can make your cake tough, so go easy here!
Step 6: Pour, Top, and Bake
Scoop your batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Sprinkle those sliced almonds evenly across the batter for a crunchy, picture-perfect finish. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Step 7: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes (it continues to set up during this time), then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust generously with powdered sugar for that simple-yet-classic almond cake look.
How to Serve The Best Almond Cake
Garnishes
The Best Almond Cake is delightfully simple, but a little garnish takes it to another level. A light dusting of powdered sugar, a few extra toasted sliced almonds, or even some thinly sliced fresh strawberries make each slice feel indulgent and special. If you want to add a fruity pop, a handful of raspberries on the side is always a winning touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. For a brunch vibe, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of strong coffee for the ultimate almond cake experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking The Best Almond Cake in a bundt pan for a striking visual effect, or make individual mini cakes using muffin tins for parties. Dress it up with an almond glaze, or layer slices with a simple mascarpone cream and berries for an elegant dessert centerpiece at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The Best Almond Cake actually develops richer flavor after a day, so don’t be afraid to bake it ahead of time.
Freezing
This cake freezes like a dream! Cool it completely, then wrap individual slices (or the entire cake) in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a treat anytime you crave a slice.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your cake slightly warm, microwave a slice for about 10–15 seconds, or pop it in a low oven for a few minutes until just heated through. It’ll taste like it was freshly baked—perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.
FAQs
Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?
Yes, you can substitute almond meal for almond flour in The Best Almond Cake, though the texture will be a bit more rustic. Almond meal contains the skins, which add a subtle crunch and nuttier flavor. It’s a great option if you want an even more pronounced almond note.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The almond flour naturally keeps the cake moist, so you won’t miss out on texture or flavor. Just ensure your baking powder is gluten-free, too.
Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
You can lower the granulated sugar by up to a quarter cup without sacrificing too much flavor or texture. That said, sugar is important for both sweetness and the moist crumb in The Best Almond Cake, so don’t cut back too much or the cake may lose its signature softness.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The top of The Best Almond Cake should be golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center should come out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine, but no wet batter). Start checking around the 40-minute mark—ovens do vary!
What’s the best way to enhance the almond flavor?
For even more almond goodness, add a few drops of bitter almond extract in addition to the regular almond extract, or top the cooled cake with a thin almond glaze. Consider adding toasted sliced almonds on top for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
Final Thoughts
The Best Almond Cake is one of those recipes that brings joy with every bite—it’s simple, satisfying, and just a little bit elegant. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, I hope you’ll give this cake a try. Once you do, I have a feeling it will quickly earn a place in your own collection of treasured recipes!
Print
The Best Almond Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of almond with this moist and buttery almond cake. This recipe combines the richness of butter, the nuttiness of almond flour, and the sweetness of sliced almonds to create a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Topping:
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Optional:
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in almond and vanilla extracts.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top, sprinkle sliced almonds, and bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Notes
- For extra almond flavor, consider adding bitter almond extract or an almond glaze.
- This cake pairs well with berries or whipped cream for added freshness.
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