This Elegant Almond Cake is a light, fluffy creation, perfectly paired with a rich almond-flavored whipped cream frosting. Each bite offers a delightful blend of almond flavors, enhanced by the airy texture of the cake. Topped with optional sliced almonds for added crunch and visual appeal, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You'll Love This: The combination of almond extracts in both the cake and the frosting ensures a consistent, delightful almond flavor throughout. The whipped cream frosting is light and not overly sweet, balancing perfectly with the soft, tender cake. This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels, yet it yields an impressive dessert that's perfect for any occasion.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special gathering, this almond cake will impress your guests with its sophisticated flavor and elegant appearance. It's also a lovely choice for afternoon tea or a refined end to a dinner party.
Decoration Tips: For an elegant presentation, decorate the cake with sliced almonds arranged in a pattern around the top edge. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of sophistication. Fresh berries or edible flowers can also be added for a pop of color and extra visual appeal.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅛ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ¾ cup + 2 tablespoons (98 g) cake flour, measured by weight or spooned and leveled
- ½ cup + 1 tablespoon (113 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (59.15 ml) vegetable oil or other neutral oil
- ¼ cup (59.15 ml) cold water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- For the Almond Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 1¼ cup (295.74 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ⅓ cup almond pastry filling
- ¼-½ teaspoon almond extract, adjusted to taste
- Sliced almonds, optional for decorating
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Lightly spray two 6-inch round pans with non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Separate the egg whites and yolks into separate bowls.
- Add the cream of tartar to the egg whites and whisk to stiff peaks.
- Sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into the bowl with the yolks.
- Mix in the vegetable oil, cold water, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the yolk mixture in thirds, being careful not to over-mix and deflate the egg whites.
- Bake the Cakes:
- Evenly distribute the batter between the prepared pans.
- Bake on the middle rack for 18-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 20-30 minutes. Run a knife along the edges to release the cakes, then flip them out onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Whisk the heavy cream to soft peaks. Add the almond pastry filling and almond extract, then continue to whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost and layer them with the almond whipped cream frosting.
- Decorate with sliced almonds if desired.
Enjoy this Elegant Almond Cake, a perfect combination of light, airy cake and rich, flavorful frosting, ideal for any special occasion!