Almond Cake Recipe: How to Make a Perfect Almond Cake
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Sep 30, 2024 • 2 min read
This simple almond cake recipe is packed with almond flavor from both almond paste and almond extract.
Learn From the Best
What Is Almond Cake?
Almond cake is a simple cake flavored with either almond extract, almond paste, ground almonds (almond flour), or even amaretto. Almonds have long been used to flavor cakes in the Middle East and Europe, and there are many variations on the theme. Almond cakes are typically served unfrosted or with a dusting of confectioner's sugar and a sprinkle of sliced almonds. You can also make a more elaborate layer cake or bake almond cupcakes and frost them with buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
3 Tips for Making Almond Cake
Making almond cake is relatively easy once you know a few key tips.
- 1. Use almond paste, not marzipan. The recipe below calls for almond paste, a paste made from ground almonds and sugar. It’s easy to get almond paste and marzipan confused because they contain the same ingredients, but almond paste is much softer, allowing it to blend into the cake dough.
- 2. Use a food processor. A food processor is essential for breaking up the almond paste, and you can make the entire cake batter in the food processor. If you don't have a food processor (or if your food processor is on the smaller side), use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. It may take longer to break up the almond paste, but the process is the same.
- 3. Bake the cake until the top is deep golden brown. For a perfect, toasted-nut flavor, let your almond cake bake slightly longer than a white or yellow cake.
Simple Almond Cake Recipe
makes
1 9-inch cakeprep time
30 mintotal time
1 hr 20 mincook time
50 minIngredients
- 1
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
Lightly grease a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan, line it with parchment paper, grease it again, and lightly flour the inside of the pan.
- 3
In the bowl of a food processor, process ¼ cup of the flour with the sugar and almond paste until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- 4
In a large bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, and salt and set it aside.
- 5
Add the butter, almond extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the almond paste mixture and process until it is light and fluffy.
- 6
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, scraping down the sides of the processor after each addition.
- 7
When the eggs are fully incorporated, transfer the cake batter to a large bowl and add the flour mixture.
- 8
Stir the mixture with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just incorporated, then transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
- 9
Bake until the edges of the cake are dark golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes.
- 10
Set the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan.
- 11
When the cake is completely cool, remove it from the pan and dust the top of the cake with confectioners' sugar.
- 12
Serve the cake immediately with whipped cream and fresh fruit if desired, or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by culinary masters, including Alice Waters, Gabriela Cámara, Niki Nakayama, Chef Thomas Keller, Yotam Ottolenghi, Dominique Ansel, Gordon Ramsay, and more.