There is something comforting about the warm, nutty smell of Almond Cake filling the kitchen. It feels just right with afternoon coffee, yet it looks lovely enough for a family dinner. Better still, this simple cake needs everyday ingredients, one pan, and very little fuss. The tender crumb keeps every bite soft and satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Almond Cake
This Almond Cake brings plenty of almond flavor without feeling heavy. Also, almond flour creates a soft, tender crumb, while maple syrup adds gentle sweetness.
The recipe makes 12 servings and comes together in 15 minutes. Then, after about 30 minutes in the oven, you only need to let it cool. Total time comes to about 1 hour.
In addition, this dessert contains no gluten ingredients naturally. Each serving has about 177 calories, 14 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein, 12 g fat, 2 g fiber, and 9 g sugar.
Almond Cake Ingredients
You need 2 cups almond flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 4 large room temperature eggs. Also, grab 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Next, add 1 teaspoon almond extract if you like a stronger almond taste. Finally, you need 1/4 cup sliced almonds, plus extra almonds and powdered sugar for serving.
Why Almond Flour Matters
Finely ground blanched almond flour gives Almond Cake its light, tender texture. However, coarse almond meal can create a heavier, slightly gritty crumb.
Maple Syrup vs. Honey
Maple syrup gives the cake a slightly lighter texture. Meanwhile, honey adds richer sweetness and makes the crumb somewhat denser.
Optional Almond Extract and Toppings
Almond extract adds a deeper nutty aroma, so I recommend it when you have some. Also, sliced almonds add a pleasant crunch on top.
How to Make Almond Cake
The method stays simple from start to finish. First, gather everything before you begin so the batter comes together quickly.
Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. Then, grease a 9 inch cake pan or springform pan and line the bottom with parchment if desired.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Add the almond flour, baking soda, and kosher salt to a bowl. Next, whisk until the ingredients look evenly mixed.
Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, and almond extract. Then, continue until the mixture looks smooth.
Combine the Almond Cake Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Next, stir gently just until you see a uniform batter.
Add Sliced Almonds and Bake
Transfer the Almond Cake batter to the prepared pan. Then, scatter 1/4 cup sliced almonds across the surface.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. However, start checking near the 25 minute mark because almond flour browns quickly.
Cool and Garnish the Cake
Cool the cake in its pan for 15 minutes. Next, move it to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
Finally, scatter extra sliced almonds over the top. You can also add powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Tips for the Best Almond Cake
A few small details can make a noticeable difference. In fact, the flour texture and mixing time matter more than complicated baking tricks.
Use Finely Ground Blanched Almond Flour
Choose finely ground blanched almond flour. As a result, your Almond Cake will have a softer and lighter crumb.
Avoid Overmixing the Batter
Stir only until the wet and dry ingredients come together. Otherwise, too much mixing can change the cake’s tender texture.
Watch the Cake Closely While Baking
Almond flour can brown quickly. Therefore, check the cake during the final few minutes rather than relying only on the timer.
How to Tell When Almond Cake Is Done
Insert a toothpick into the center. When it comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven.
Almond Cake Toppings and Serving Ideas
This cake tastes lovely on its own. However, a simple topping can turn it into an easy dinner party dessert.
Sliced Almonds and Powdered Sugar
Add sliced almonds for crunch. Then, dust powdered sugar lightly over the cooled cake for a classic finish.
Whipped Cream and Fresh Berries
Serve each slice with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. Also, add fresh berries for juicy color and brightness.
Lemon or Orange Glaze
A light lemon or orange glaze adds fresh citrus flavor. In addition, the tart notes pair nicely with the rich almond taste.
Mascarpone, Greek Yogurt, and Honey
Add a spoonful of mascarpone or Greek yogurt beside each slice. Then, drizzle honey over the top for extra sweetness.
Toasted Almonds or Pistachios
Toast extra almonds for deeper flavor. Alternatively, scatter chopped pistachios over the cake for color and crunch.
Almond Cake Variations and Substitutions
You can make a few ingredient swaps. However, almond flour recipes depend on their moisture balance, so choose replacements carefully.
Using Honey or Other Liquid Sweeteners
Honey, date syrup, or liquid erythritol can replace maple syrup. However, granulated sweeteners need changes to the recipe’s liquid balance.
Can You Use Hazelnut Flour Instead of Almond Flour?
Yes. You can replace almond flour with hazelnut flour at a 1:1 ratio for a different nutty flavor.
Can You Use Other Flours?
Most other flours cannot replace almond flour directly. Therefore, avoid swapping in wheat, coconut, or another flour without changing the recipe.
How to Store Almond Cake
Proper storage keeps Almond Cake soft for later. First, let the cake cool completely before you cover it.
Refrigerating Leftover Almond Cake
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to one week. Also, keep the container tightly closed so the cake retains its soft texture.
How to Freeze Almond Cake
Cool the cake completely, then wrap it securely. Next, freeze it for up to three months.
For more everyday dessert inspiration, you can also follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest and Kai Recipes on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make a simple almond cake?
First, whisk almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Then, whisk eggs, maple syrup, vanilla, and almond extract separately. Next, combine both mixtures, add sliced almonds, and bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
What is the French almond cake called?
Several French cakes feature almonds. For example, financiers use almond flour, while gâteau aux amandes simply means almond cake in French.
What is another name for almond cake?
Names vary by recipe and region. For instance, people may call similar desserts almond flour cake, almond sponge cake, or gâteau aux amandes.
What is an almond cake?
An Almond Cake is a cake that gets much of its flavor from almonds or almond flour. In this recipe, almond flour creates the nutty taste and soft crumb.
More Such Recipes
- gluten-free dessert recipes
- moist almond flour peach cake
- keto butter pecan almond flour pound cake
- easy almond flour pumpkin cake
- vegan lemon blueberry cake with an almond flour option
- sugar-free almond flour cookies
Final Thoughts
This Almond Cake proves that a short ingredient list can still bring plenty of flavor. The center stays tender, the almonds add gentle crunch, and the nutty aroma makes the kitchen smell wonderful.
Also, you can dress each slice up or keep things simple with powdered sugar. Either way, it works beautifully for dessert, afternoon coffee, or a quiet weekend treat.
Almond Cake: Easy Gluten Free Dessert with a Tender Crumb
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Almond Cake has a rich nutty flavor and a soft, tender crumb. Made with finely ground almond flour, maple syrup or honey, eggs, and sliced almonds, it is naturally gluten-free and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract, optional but recommended
1/4 cup sliced almonds, plus extra for garnish
Powdered sugar for dusting, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan or springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
2. Whisk the almond flour, baking soda, and kosher salt together in a bowl.
3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
4. Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients just until a uniform batter forms.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and scatter the sliced almonds over the surface.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes.
8. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely.
9. Garnish with extra sliced almonds and powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Use finely ground, blanched almond flour for a light and tender crumb. Coarse almond meal can create a denser or gritty texture.
Almond flour can brown quickly, so watch the cake closely near the end of baking.
Maple syrup generally gives the cake a lighter texture, while honey makes it somewhat denser.
Honey, date syrup, or liquid erythritol can replace maple syrup.
Granulated sweeteners require changes to the liquid balance of the recipe.
Hazelnut flour can replace almond flour at a 1:1 ratio.
Most other flours cannot replace almond flour directly.
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
For longer storage, cool the cake completely, wrap it securely, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Suggested toppings include sliced almonds, powdered sugar, whipped cream or coconut whipped cream with berries, lemon or orange glaze, mascarpone or Greek yogurt with honey, toasted almonds, or chopped pistachios.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 177
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0.01 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg