There’s something truly timeless and elegant about almond cake. With its delicate crumb, subtly nutty flavor, and moist texture, this cake stands out for its simplicity and sophistication. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert at a dinner party, enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, or celebrating a special occasion, this almond cake delivers every time.
What makes this recipe the best isn’t just the rich, buttery base or the fragrant almond extract—it’s the perfect balance of ingredients that creates a cake that’s tender without being too dense, and flavorful without being overly sweet.
This almond cake is versatile and easy to make, requiring just one bowl and a handful of pantry staples. It’s naturally gluten-free if made with almond flour, and can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a light glaze. It stores beautifully, making it ideal for make-ahead desserts or casual snacking throughout the week.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this almond cake recipe is a must-have in your collection—a true celebration of simple ingredients done right, with flavor and texture that are sure to impress.
The Best Almond Cake Recipe
Description
This almond cake is incredibly moist, tender, and rich with nutty flavor—perfect for any celebration or everyday treat.
Made with finely ground almonds or almond flour, it has a soft, buttery crumb and a delicate sweetness that pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light glaze.
A hint of vanilla and optional citrus zest enhances the flavor, while the golden top and slightly chewy edges give it a satisfying texture.
Naturally gluten-free (if desired), it’s simple to make yet elegant enough to impress guests. This is a timeless recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
Optional Garnish:
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Greasing and lining ensures the cake releases easily and keeps its shape.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and removes any lumps from the almond flour.
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In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, which helps with texture and rise.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the almond extract and vanilla extract. These add depth and that signature almond bakery aroma.
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Mix in the sour cream (or yogurt), which adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the almonds.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Optionally, sprinkle sliced almonds over the top for a crunchy finish.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake—the almond flour keeps the cake moist, but it can dry out if overcooked.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and gently turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or top with fresh berries and whipped cream for an elegant dessert.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 100mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 25g
- Protein 10g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Why You'll Love This Almond Cake
This almond cake is dense yet delicate, with a fine crumb that melts in your mouth. It’s naturally gluten-free when made with almond flour and has a beautifully nutty flavor, thanks to the use of both almond extract and ground almonds. You can serve it plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress it up with whipped cream, berries, or a citrus glaze.
The Best Almond Cake Recipe: Tips, Tricks & Serving Guide
If you're looking for a cake that's rich, moist, nutty, and beautifully simple, almond cake is a winner. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply craving something comforting and elegant, this cake delivers. Here's how to get it just right, along with some expert tips and serving tricks to make it truly unforgettable.
Base Recipe Overview
A classic almond cake usually includes almond flour (or finely ground almonds), all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and almond extract. Some versions use yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk for moisture, and a touch of citrus zest to brighten the flavor. The result is a tender crumb with a fragrant, nutty profile and a slightly crisp exterior.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Almond Cake
- Use High-Quality Almond Flour
Opt for finely ground blanched almond flour for the best texture and flavor. Avoid almond meal (which includes skins), unless you want a slightly denser and more rustic result. - Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
Ensure your butter, eggs, and any dairy (like yogurt or milk) are at room temperature. This helps the batter emulsify better, resulting in a smoother, more even crumb. - Don’t Overmix
Once you’ve added the flour to the wet ingredients, mix only until combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake and prevent it from rising properly. - Almond Extract – Use Sparingly
Almond extract is powerful. A little goes a long way—about ½ to 1 teaspoon is usually enough. Too much can taste artificial. - Grease & Line the Pan
Almond cake tends to be delicate. Grease your pan thoroughly and line the bottom with parchment paper to avoid sticking and crumbling when removing the cake. - Add Citrus for Balance
A little lemon or orange zest brings a bright contrast to the richness of almonds, making the flavor more dynamic. - Check Doneness with a Skewer
Almond cakes can look done on the outside but still be soft inside. A skewer should come out with just a few moist crumbs—no wet batter.
Serving Tricks & Variations
- Dust with Powdered Sugar
For a simple, elegant finish, sift powdered sugar over the cooled cake. It enhances both look and sweetness without overwhelming the almond flavor. - Top with Toasted Almonds
Add sliced almonds on top before baking for a lovely crunch and extra almond flavor. - Pair with Berries or Citrus Curd
Serve slices with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a dollop of lemon curd. The tartness balances the cake’s richness perfectly. - Whipped Cream or Mascarpone
A side of barely sweetened whipped cream or whipped mascarpone adds a luxurious touch without overshadowing the cake. - Make It Gluten-Free
Use a gluten-free flour blend with almond flour, or go 100% almond flour for a denser but delightfully moist gluten-free version.
Servings
This recipe typically serves 8–10, depending on portion size. It’s ideal for tea-time, brunches, holidays, or as a light dessert with coffee.
Tips for Success
- Almond Flour: Use finely ground blanched almond flour—not almond meal—for the best texture.
- Almond Extract: A little goes a long way. Don’t skip it—this is the heart of the cake’s flavor!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
This almond cake is perfect on its own, but you can dress it up based on the occasion:
- For brunch: Top with crème fraîche and a drizzle of honey.
- For dessert: Serve with raspberries and vanilla ice cream.
- For a tea party: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with Earl Grey or green tea.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of this almond cake lies in its simplicity. It's easy enough for a weeknight bake and elegant enough for celebrations. The rich almond flavor, moist crumb, and versatility make it a must-have in any home baker’s repertoire.
Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your new favorite cake!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes almond cake different from regular cake?
Almond cake stands out for its rich, nutty flavor and moist texture, thanks to ingredients like almond flour, almond extract, or ground almonds.
Unlike traditional cakes that rely solely on all-purpose flour, almond cake often includes almond flour or meal, which provides a denser crumb and natural sweetness. It’s also commonly gluten-free when made without wheat flour.
Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour?
It depends on the recipe. Almond flour lacks gluten, which affects structure and texture. Substituting it 1:1 with regular flour may result in a drier, less tender cake.
If you must substitute, consider using a mix of all-purpose flour and a bit of cornstarch or another nut flour to maintain moisture. For best results, use a recipe specifically developed for almond flour.
Is almond cake suitable for people with gluten intolerance?
Yes, many almond cake recipes are naturally gluten-free, especially those made entirely with almond flour or ground almonds. However, always check the ingredient list—some recipes include a small amount of wheat flour for structure.
Also, ensure that all ingredients, including baking powder and almond flour, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I store almond cake, and how long does it last?
Almond cake stores well due to its moisture content. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Let it come to room temperature or gently warm it before serving for best flavor and texture.
