French Almond Cake
User Reviews
4.9
French Almond Cake
Description
French Almond Cake relies on the combination of almond flour and toasted sliced almonds to develop a layered almond taste and a moist crumb. The batter includes yogurt and oil, providing moisture and a tender texture. Baking powder and eggs help it rise to a light yet substantial structure. The distinct orange glaze topping combines freshly grated orange zest, juice, vanilla, and almond extracts to lend fresh citrus brightness and sweet complexity. Toasting the sliced almonds before adding them on top adds a delicate crunch contrasting with the soft cake interior.
The baking process involves first toasting the almonds separately and preparing the glaze to rest while making the batter. The batter is made by mixing wet ingredients, then folding in the dry flours, leavening, and flavoring extracts, before incorporating oil gradually to form a smooth batter. The cake is baked until set and golden, then topped with the reserved almonds and glazed once cooled slightly.
This cake is an elegant treat that pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. The subtle nutty sweetness and light citrus glaze offer a refined balance. It can be served as a dessert or a special breakfast item. The recipe's instructions and notes advise lining and greasing the cake pan properly to avoid sticking and suggest using plain or Greek yogurt interchangeably.
Ingredients
For the almonds:
- ½ cups almonds sliced
For the glaze:
- 1 teaspoon orange zest finely grated
- 3 tablespoons orange juice fresh
- ¾ cup powdered sugar plus more for sprinkling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
For the cake:
- ¾ cup PLAIN yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 egg large
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup almond flour not almond meal
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sunflower oil grape seed or canola oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Spray a 9-inch round cake pan (with at least 2 inch tall sides) with baking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and spray parchment paper lightly. Set aside.
- Place almonds in a small baking pan. Spread to a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until just beginning to turn pale golden brown, stirring every 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool (these will be used at the end to top the cake).
- Combine the orange zest, orange juice, powdered sugar and extracts in a small bowl for the glaze. Stir with a whisk until smooth. Cover and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, and eggs, stirring until well blended.
- Add the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, salt and extracts. Stir to combine.
- Add the oil and stir well. Don't worry, at first it will seem to separate, but keep stirring till smooth. This might take 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the cake feels springy to the touch in the center and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if getting too brown near the end and cake is still not done*. Be careful not to over bake. Cool cake on a wire rack for 10 minutes; then turn it out of the pan onto the rack.
- While the cake is still warm, using a pastry brush, gently pat the glaze all over the cake. Just keep going over the cake till the glaze is gone. Some of it will drip off, but most of it will soak in. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of cake while glaze is wet and pat gently. Allow cake to cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.
Notes
- Lightly spray or oil foil or parchment to prevent the cake from sticking when lining the pan.
- Use sliced almonds toasted until pale golden to add texture and a gentle crunch to the finished cake.
- The orange glaze combines fresh orange zest and juice with powdered sugar and extracts for a bright, sweet finish.
- Plain yogurt works well, but Greek yogurt can be substituted for slightly thicker texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 259kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 129mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 134mg | 3% |
| Sugar | 25g | 50% |
| Vitamin A | 65IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 1.6mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 69mg | 7% |
| Iron | 0.6mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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