The Best Almond Cake Recipe

Whether hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just wanting a treat to pair with your coffee, this cake is the answer. Its moist crumb and topping make it both visually and tastefully satisfying. It has a layer of insanely moist almond cake and is topped with crunchy vanilla bean sugar and slivered almonds for the perfect finish!

This is not your regular cake. The star ingredient, almond paste, gives it a nutty sweetness and moist texture that sets it apart from the rest. The best part is that no matter whether you’re a casual baker or a pastry connoisseur, this almond cake recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort, making it perfect for any skill level and it is made right in the food processor!

Since you are here and love cake recipes, check out this Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe, this Easy Vanilla Pancake-Mix Cake, or this Red Velvet Snack Cake Recipe.

Ingredients for this moist Almond Cake Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this moist cake. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Almond Paste: provides the rich almond flavor and enhances the moist texture of this cake.
• Granulated Sugar: sweetens the cake and balances the nutty almond taste.
• Unsalted Butter: adds richness and ensures a tender, buttery crumb. You’ll need it to be softened so pull it out 30 minutes prior to beginning.
• Large Eggs: acts as a binder and adds moisture, giving the cake structure. The eggs will need to be at room temperature so pull them out with the butter.
• Almond Extract: intensifies the almond flavor for a fragrant and delicious cake.
• Vanilla Extract: enhances the overall flavor with subtly sweet undertones.
• All-purpose Flour: provides the structure and base for the cake’s texture.
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Baking Powder: leavens the cake and gives it a light, fluffy texture.
• Whole Milk: adds moisture and ensures the batter mixes smoothly. Also needs to be room temp so pull it out with the eggs and butter.
• Sliced Almonds (for topping): adds a decorative touch and a crunchy texture.
• Granulated Sugar (for topping): creates a sweet, slightly crisp topping when combined with almonds. I made sure to use my vanilla bean sugar to take it to a whole new level!
• Powdered Sugar (for dusting): Provides a decorative finish and a hint of sweetness to the cake.

How to make this simple Almond Cake Recipe

This is how you can make this easy dessert. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the oven temp, bake time, and full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Preheat your oven and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it, lining the bottom with parchment paper, and lightly greasing the parchment. I used a flexipan 9-inch cake pan so I didn’t need to grease or line my pan, one less step to worry about for me! (You can use my code LOAF for an extra discount!)
2. Combine the almond paste and granulated sugar in a food processor. Blend until the mixture has a fine, crumbly texture.
3. Add the softened butter to the processor and blend on medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Mix in the eggs, milk, the almond and vanilla extracts and blend until incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
6. Add in the dry ingredients and mix just until the flour mixture disappears. Take care not to over-mix.
7. Transfer the cake batter to the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a rubber or offset spatula. Sprinkle the top of the cake with granulated sugar and sliced almonds if using.
8. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For an elegant finish, dust the entire cake with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Almond Cake

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Room temp eggs, butter, and milk ensure a smoother batter, leading to an evenly baked and tender cake. Cold ingredients can cause uneven mixing and dense spots.
• Choose High-Quality Almond Paste: The almond paste is the star of the show, so go for a good-quality brand. It’s worth the splurge for that rich, authentic almond flavor and smooth texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher cake instead of the soft, tender crumb you’re aiming for.
• Test for Doneness Carefully: Since almond cakes are moist, the toothpick test is your friend. Insert it into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking to prevent drying out the cake.

Why do you need to make this almond cake recipe?

• This delicious recipe only requires a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at the grocery store.
• If you’re a fan of almond desserts, this cake is a must-try!
• You can whip up this great recipe without any complicated techniques. It’s perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Almond cakes age well and remain moist for several days, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What do I use if I don’t have a food processor?

No worries! You can also make this cake in a bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer. Just be sure to break the almond paste into small pieces and beat it with the sugar until crumbly. 

One good way to go about this is to grate it in a cheese grater that way it mixes into the cake batter so beautifully!

How do I store leftovers of my almond cake recipe?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Can I use almond flour instead of almond paste?

No, almond flour and almond paste are not interchangeable. The almond paste adds flavor and structure to the cake, whereas almond flour lacks the sweetness and moisture needed for this almond cake recipe.

Can I use almond extract alone instead of almond paste?

While almond extract enhances the flavor, almond paste is essential for the cake’s rich almond taste and moist texture. Substituting only extract won’t yield the same result.

How about using marzipan instead of almond paste?

That won’t work either unfortunately.  Marzipan is a lot sweeter than the almond paste which will throw our flavors off completely. It is also a little more firm compared to the almond paste used in this recipe which can be a little toughed to mix into our cake batter.

Can I make this a gluten-free cake recipe?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for the regular flour. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking cakes.

Can I add other flavors or ingredients to this almond cake recipe?

Certainly! A splash of orange or lemon zest would complement the almond flavor really well. You could also try adding fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate glaze on top.

Another fun thing you can so if add berries to it; Think raspberries or blueberries. Make sure to toss them in a little flour before adding them to this cake to make sure they don’t sink!

Can I frost this cake?

This cake is delicious served as is and even better topped with a dollop of whipped cream and some homemade fresh berries coulis. But if you want to add a different frosting to it, you can do a lightly sweetened cream cheese frosting . I wouldn’t do a regular buttercream frosting here because it might be a tad bit too sweet.

The Best Almond Cake Recipe

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