This Almond Cake is super easy to make, gluten-free, and absolutely delicious. It has a soft, gooey texture with a rich, nutty flavor, making it a delightful and elegant dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Method
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch round pan with parchment paper and grease it.
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter for 30 seconds using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed.
- Add Sugar: Add the sugar and beat for one minute.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Scrape down the bowl between additions. With the final egg, add the almond and vanilla extracts.
- Add Ricotta and Zest: Mix in the ricotta and orange zest on low speed.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Prepare for Baking: Once smooth, pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the top with 1/3 cup of sliced almonds. Gently shake the pan to distribute the almonds evenly.
Baking the Cake
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top feels set.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes.
- Flip and Cool Completely: Carefully flip the cake onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before serving.
- Finish: Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar on top.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store the cake in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour or in the fridge overnight before bringing to room temperature for serving.
Notes
- Pan: An 8-inch springform pan works best for easy removal. Line the sides and bottom with parchment paper.
- Zest: You can skip the zest or use lemon zest for a different flavor. Serve with a quick glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp citrus juice and 1 tsp zest.
- Toppings: Serve with berries, ice cream, or whipped cream. You can also make an almond glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tbsp almond milk (or any milk) and a dash of almond extract. Whisk until smooth and pour over the cooled cake. Let it set before slicing.
- Ricotta Substitute: You can use mascarpone cheese instead of ricotta.