This delightful almond cake combines the rich, nutty flavor of almond flour with the natural sweetness of maple syrup for a sophisticated yet simple dessert. Perfect for those seeking a gluten-free option, this cake offers a moist, tender crumb with a delicate almond aroma that will fill your kitchen as it bakes. The toasted almond topping adds both visual appeal and a satisfying crunch to complement the cake’s soft texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally Gluten-Free: Made with almond flour instead of wheat flour, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities
• Simple Ingredients: Requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients you might already have in your pantry
• Quick Preparation: Comes together in minutes with minimal hands-on time
• Versatile Serving Options: Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for everyday dessert
• Less Refined Sugar: Uses maple syrup as a natural sweetener instead of processed sugar

Ingredients

• Almond Flour: Use fine blanched almond flour for the best texture – this creates a more delicate crumb than regular wheat flour and adds a naturally sweet, nutty flavor.
• Sliced Almonds: These add a beautiful decorative touch and a delightful crunch when toasted. You can substitute slivered almonds or chopped whole almonds if needed.
• Maple Syrup: Provides natural sweetness and moisture. Pure maple syrup works best, but honey can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
• Eggs: Essential for structure and binding. They help the cake rise and maintain its shape while contributing to the tender texture.
• Oil: Either olive oil or avocado oil works perfectly. The oil adds moisture and helps create the cake’s tender crumb. Choose olive oil for a subtle fruity note or avocado oil for a more neutral flavor.
• Baking Powder: Provides the leavening that helps the cake rise. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Almond Extract: Enhances the natural almond flavor of the cake. Don’t skip this ingredient as it’s key to the cake’s signature taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
• Salt: A small amount enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip this crucial ingredient!
• Powdered Sugar: Optional for serving, adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy finish to the cake.

Variations

Berry-Topped Almond Cake

Transform this simple cake by adding fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries on top before serving. The slight tartness of the berries beautifully complements the sweet, nutty cake. For an extra touch, warm some apricot jam and brush it over the berries for a glossy finish.

Chocolate Almond Cake

Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate version of this cake. You may need to increase the maple syrup slightly to balance the bitterness of the cocoa. For chocolate lovers, fold in some chocolate chips into the batter before baking, or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished cake.

Citrus Infused Almond Cake

Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the wet ingredients to infuse the cake with bright citrus notes. After baking, you could also brush the warm cake with a simple syrup made from the juice of the fruit and a bit of sugar for an extra moist, flavorful finish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your cake pan. An 8-inch springform pan works best as it makes removing the cake easier, but a regular 8-inch round cake pan will work too. Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Toast the Almonds

Spread the sliced almonds on a small baking tray and place them in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as nuts can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt. You’re looking for a light golden brown color and a fragrant aroma. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt throughout the cake. Breaking up any clumps in the almond flour at this stage will help produce a smooth batter.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Add the maple syrup, oil, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The oil might not fully incorporate at first, but keep whisking until the mixture looks uniform.

Step 5: Make the Batter and Bake

Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until you have a smooth, consistent batter. Pour this batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the toasted almond slices on top, then bake for 20-25 minutes. The cake is done when the top is lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until incorporated to keep the cake tender.
• Check your cake early, around the 18-minute mark, as ovens can vary. It’s better to slightly underbake this cake than overbake it, as almond flour cakes can dry out quickly.
• For extra flavor, toast the almond flour lightly in a dry skillet before using it in the recipe. Just be sure to let it cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
• Room temperature eggs will incorporate better with the other ingredients, creating a more uniform batter.
• Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the springform pan to prevent breaking.
• For a more decorative look, arrange the toasted almond slices in a pattern on top rather than sprinkling them randomly.

How to Serve

This almond cake shines in its simplicity but can be dressed up in numerous ways. For an elegant presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar just before serving, creating a beautiful snowy effect against the golden cake and toasted almonds.

Serve slices with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert. Fresh berries make an excellent accompaniment, adding color and a contrasting tartness to the sweet, nutty cake.

For a cozy breakfast or brunch option, serve slightly warm with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a spoonful of Greek yogurt on the side. This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of dessert wine for an after-dinner treat.

Make Ahead

This almond cake is perfect for making ahead of time as the flavors continue to develop and meld. You can bake the cake up to two days before serving. Once completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Wait to dust with powdered sugar until just before serving for the best appearance.

If you need to make it even further in advance, the cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature while still wrapped to maintain moisture. Bring to room temperature before serving and freshen it up with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

FAQs

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can use almond meal instead of almond flour, but the texture of your cake will be different. Almond meal is coarser and typically includes the almond skins, resulting in a more rustic cake with a denser texture and speckled appearance. Blanched almond flour creates a finer, more delicate crumb.

Is this cake suitable for diabetics?

While this cake uses maple syrup instead of refined sugar, it still contains natural sugars that will affect blood glucose levels. The almond flour base means it’s lower in carbohydrates than traditional flour cakes, but individuals with diabetes should consume it in moderation and account for it in their meal planning. Consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey (for a non-vegan option) or agave nectar at a 1:1 ratio. If you prefer to use a granulated sweetener like coconut sugar, you may need to add a bit more oil or another liquid ingredient to maintain the proper moisture level in the cake.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the top is lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set, and the cake might have just started to pull away from the sides of the pan. Avoid overbaking, as almond flour cakes can quickly become dry.

Conclusion

This elegant yet simple almond cake offers the perfect balance of nutty flavor and delicate sweetness, all while being naturally gluten-free. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an everyday treat, its tender crumb and aromatic almond flavor are sure to impress. The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility – dress it up with berries and cream for a dinner party, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee for a little moment of indulgence. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, there’s no reason not to add this almond cake to your baking repertoire. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to dessert!

Print