There’s nothing like a delicious cake to enjoy with tea or coffee. Now that the weather is changing, we’re starting to crave warm homemade treats, and this almond cake is the perfect accompaniment.
It has a wonderful almond flavor, and we only used six simple ingredients to make it. It’s truly one of my favorite desserts on the blog so far.
This almond cake is based on a French recipe called Amandier, and its charm lies in its exceptionally moist texture. It’s truly the perfect partner for tea or coffee.
Traditionally, this recipe doesn’t include almonds on top, but rather a lemon and powdered sugar glaze, similar to what you’d put on a pound cake.
However, because almonds taste so delicious in this recipe, I think the cake feels much more delicate this way.
This recipe uses only almond flour, so it’s naturally gluten-free.
Variations of Almond Cake
If you’d like to change this recipe a little, here are a few delicious ideas:
- Add the zest of:
- 2 lemons, or
- 1 orange
- Add warm spices such as:
- Cinnamon
- Cardamom
- Cloves
- If you can’t find sliced almonds, simply chop whole almonds instead.
- If you love chocolate, try making an almond and chocolate version of this cake.
How to Make Grandma’s Almond Cake Recipe?
Recipe Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25–30 minutes |
| Dish Type | Cakes |
| Season | All year |
| Servings | 12 |
| Calories | 1 kcal |
Ingredients
For the Almond Cake
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 140 g |
| Orange or lemon zest | Zest of 1 medium orange or lemon |
| Large eggs | 6 |
| Ground almonds | 150 g |
| Baking powder | 10 g |
| Cornstarch | 25 g |
For Decoration
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sliced almonds | 2 handfuls |
| Regular sugar | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Preparation
Prepare the Cake Pan
- Preheat the oven.
- Grease the bottom and sides of a round cake tin, preferably a springform tin, with butter.
- Dust it lightly with flour and remove any excess.
- You can also line the tin with baking paper instead of using butter and flour.
- Recommended tin size: 23 cm diameter.
Prepare the Batter
- Beat the egg yolks with the sugar until the mixture becomes very creamy and pale.
- Add the grated orange or lemon zest and beat again for another couple of minutes.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- Ground almonds
- Cornstarch
- Baking powder
- Add this mixture to the egg yolk mixture.
- Mix well until the batter becomes smooth and homogeneous.
Fold in the Egg Whites
- Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
- Add a small amount first to loosen the batter.
- Gently fold in the remaining egg whites little by little to keep the batter light and airy.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared mold and smooth the surface.
- Sprinkle the top with:
- Sliced almonds
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- Bake at 180°C for about 25–30 minutes.
Cool Before Serving
- Remove the cake from the oven once baked.
- Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the mold and transfer the cake to a wire rack.
- Allow it to cool completely before serving.
Video Guide 📺
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | Moderate |
| Protein | Moderate |
| Fat | Rich in healthy almond fats |
| Sugar | Moderate |
| Fiber | Light |
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of ground almonds?
Yes, almond flour works perfectly in this recipe because the cake is already designed around almonds as the main ingredient.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake stays moist for a couple of days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze almond cake?
Yes, you can freeze it once completely cooled. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with almond cake?
This cake tastes wonderful with:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- A light citrus glaze
Conclusion
This Grandma’s Almond Cake Recipe is simple, comforting, and full of delicate almond flavor. Its soft and moist texture makes it perfect for tea time, family gatherings, or a cozy homemade dessert any day of the year.
With only a few ingredients and an easy preparation process, it’s the kind of classic cake recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
