Indulge in the decadent delight of the Best Ever Almond Cream Cake – a show-stopping dessert fit for any occasion. This moist cake, adorned with the fluffiest almond frosting, is a true celebration of flavor and elegance. With its creamy texture and rich almond taste, this cake is a must-try for all dessert enthusiasts.
Crafted with love and attention to detail, this almond cream cake brings a touch of sophistication to your table without the fuss. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or any special moment, this recipe promises to impress with its simplicity and charm. Elevate your baking game with this exquisite treat that is as easy to make as it is delightful to savor.
Ingredients
Indulge in the delicate flavors of almond with this easy-to-follow almond cream cake recipe. Prepare to elevate your baking skills and impress your guests with this delightful dessert.
Almond Cake Layers
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Almond Cream Frosting
- 1 cup butter, room temperature
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
- Almond pastry filling for layering
- Additional almond cream cheese frosting for decorating
- Optional: sliced almonds for garnish
Equipment Needed
To make this delicious Almond Cream Cake, you will need the following essential equipment:
For the Cake:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Cake pans (preferably 8-inch rounds)
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
For the Almond Cream Frosting and Filling:
- 1 stick (4 oz) Salted Butter at room temperature
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula for spreading
- Offset spatula for cake decoration
For the Almond Cream Frosting:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula for mixing
- Piping bags and tips (optional for decorating)
- Oven for baking the cake
- Refrigerator for chilling the cake
- Microwave or double boiler for melting chocolate
- Cake slicer or knife for cutting the cake
Having the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and a beautifully presented Almond Cream Cake.
Preparing the Almond Cream Cake
Creating the Best Ever Almond Cream Cake is a delightful journey filled with sweet aromas and delectable textures. Let’s dive into the baking process to bring this luxurious dessert to life.
Preparing Your Pans
- Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, ensuring each is well-coated for easy release after baking.
- Add a circle of parchment paper to the bottom of each prepared pan to prevent sticking.
- Sprinkle finely chopped almonds into the pans before adding the cake batter to infuse a rich almond flavor into the layers.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, and almond extract in a separate bowl, setting the wet ingredients aside.
- In the mixer bowl, blend butter and cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add room temperature eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation.
- Alternate adding the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, pouring it over the finely chopped almonds.
- Bake the cakes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 22-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Baking the Cake
Baking the almond cream cake is a crucial step that ensures a perfect outcome. To enhance the cake’s texture and flavor, follow these steps diligently.
Checking for Doneness
To determine if the cakes are ready, gently press the center of each cake layer. If the cake springs back, it’s done. Another method is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cakes are fully baked.
Making the Almond Cream Frosting
To make the almond cream frosting for the Best Ever Almond Cream Cake, follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of almond extract
- 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to mix until well combined.
- Add the almond extract to the mixture and blend it in thoroughly.
- Pour in the heavy cream, starting with 2 tablespoons, and mix on high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add an extra tablespoon of cream if needed for a smoother consistency.
- Once the almond cream frosting reaches a spreadable and fluffy texture, it is ready to be used to frost the almond cream cake.
- Spread a generous amount of the almond cream frosting between the cake layers, on the top, and around the sides, ensuring an even distribution.
- Use a flat spatula to smooth out the frosting for a clean and professional finish.
- For decorative purposes, consider piping additional frosting along the edges or decorating with sliced almonds or fresh fruit on top.
By following these straightforward steps, you’ll achieve the fluffiest and creamiest almond frosting that perfectly complements the Best Ever Almond Cream Cake.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling the almond cream cake is where all the delicious components come together to create a decadent and visually appealing dessert.
Layering and Filling
When layering the almond cream cake, it’s best to work with frozen cake layers to ensure stability. Place the first cake layer on your base, spread with almond cream cheese frosting, repeat for the second layer, and top with the final cake layer. Fill any gaps between layers with frosting using a piping bag.
Crumb Coating
Before applying the final coat of frosting, crumb coat the cake with a thin layer of almond cream cheese frosting. Chill the cake briefly in the freezer to firm up the crumb coat. Proceed to apply the final layer of frosting, smoothing the sides with a bench scraper and adding decorative textures. Finish by adding embellishments like a rosette border, sliced almonds, or fresh fruit to enhance the presentation of the cake.
Decorating the Cake
Decorating the almond cream cake is an essential part of the process, elevating not only its visual appeal but also adding extra layers of flavor and texture.
Applying the Final Coat of Frosting
After crumb coating the cake with a thin layer of almond cream cheese frosting and a quick chill in the freezer to firm it up, it’s time for the final coat of frosting. Smooth the sides using a bench scraper or a spatula, add decorative textures with a small offset spatula or swirls. Optionally, pipe a rosette border around the top of the cake using a star tip 21 and finish it off with a sprinkle of sliced almonds for an elegant touch.
Adding Final Touches with Almonds
Once the cake is frosted, the final touches come into play. Additional sliced almonds can be used to decorate the cake further, adding both a visual and textural element to the presentation. Use a small offset spatula to create intricate textures in the frosting, giving the cake a professional and polished finish that enhances its overall appearance.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storing and freezing your almond cream cake properly is essential to maintain its freshness and quality. Follow these simple tips to ensure your cake stays delicious for longer periods.
How to Refrigerate
Once your almond cream cake is decorated, it’s best to refrigerate it to preserve its freshness. If you have an airtight cake carrier, store the cake in it for the best results. Refrigeration helps the frosting set and keeps the cake moist. Remember, cream cheese-based frostings like the one on this cake need to be refrigerated.
How to Freeze
If you need to freeze your almond cream cake, it’s best to freeze the cake layers before frosting them. Wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy the cake, thaw the frozen cake layers in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid freezing fully frosted cakes, as the texture may be affected. However, you can freeze individual slices by wrapping them well and storing them in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Creating almond cream cakes is a delightful experience that promises a heavenly treat for any occasion. With its luscious almond flavor and fluffy texture, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. From preparing the almond-infused cake layers to crafting the creamy frosting, every step contributes to a masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds. Attention to detail, such as proper baking techniques and expert frosting application, ensures a professional finish that elevates the cake’s presentation. By following the outlined steps and tips, you can confidently embark on your almond cream cake journey, delighting yourself and others with a decadent creation that embodies both skill and artistry. Embrace the joy of baking and savor the sweet rewards of a perfectly crafted almond cream cake.