Delightful Almond Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats for Any Day.

This cake tweaks Ina Garten's recipe by combining basic pantry items like almond flour and maple syrup into a rich, tender, gluten-free delight. Olive or avocado oil keeps it moist. A final touch of golden almonds and powdered sugar gives it finesse. Ready in 30 minutes, serves 6. Perfect for tea, dessert, or even mornings. Dairy-free and gluten-free, perfect for specialized diets.
Una donna con un cappello a coda di cavallo e un vestito nero.
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:42:19 GMT
A tasty slice of almond cake placed on a plate. Pin it
A tasty slice of almond cake placed on a plate. | kylierecipes.com

This moist and fancy almond flour cake wows with its velvety texture and the deep, sweet kick of real maple syrup. Every bite shows off a soft inside packed with nutty almond goodness, making it a classy treat for any dinner or party.

We've made this cake so many times, it's become our go-to favorite. When we served it at our last family dinner, everyone couldn't stop talking about how soft it was and how the sweetness hit just right.

Must-Have Items

  • Top-Quality Almond Flour: Go for the fine-ground blanched kind for the right feel. When it's fresh, you'll catch a lovely nutty smell
  • Almond Slices: Look for ones cut the same size with a nice light color
  • Rich Maple Syrup: Grab grade A dark for the boldest taste
  • Eggs Not From Fridge: They need to be warm for mixing properly
  • Good Oil: Mild olive or avocado oil keeps everything juicy
  • Real Flavor Drops: True almond and vanilla extracts make everything taste better
  • New Baking Powder: Makes sure your cake rises well
  • Small-Grain Sea Salt: Cuts the sweetness and brings out flavors

Baking Steps

Oven Setup:
Put your rack in the middle and warm oven to 350°F for even baking.
Nut Toasting:
Brown those almond slices until they turn golden, but keep an eye on them.
Bowl Work:
Mix all wet stuff in one bowl, dry stuff in another, then blend them together.
Last Steps:
Pour your mix into the pan, sprinkle with toasted almonds and a pinch of salt.
A slice of cake with almonds on a plate. Pin it
A slice of cake with almonds on a plate. | kylierecipes.com

You've got to measure the almond extract just right - a tiny bit too much or too little can really change how your cake tastes.

Time-Saving Plan

Toast your almonds first while you get everything else ready. This keeps things moving along smoothly and makes sure those nuts develop their best flavor.

Pairing Ideas

Add some fresh berries for a pop of color and tangy taste. You might also want to try a dollop of plain whipped cream or a little warm honey drizzled on top to make it look extra special.

Fun Twists

Try swapping in toasted hazelnuts or pistachios for something different. A bit of lemon zest or spices like cardamom can add new flavor layers while keeping the cake's fancy feel.

Keeping It Fresh

Keep your cake in a sealed container at room temp for up to three days. If your kitchen's humid, stick it in the fridge but let it come back to room temp before eating for the best taste and feel.

A slice of almond cake on a plate. Pin it
A slice of almond cake on a plate. | kylierecipes.com

This cake never lets us down, whether we're making it for a casual coffee with friends or a fancy birthday party. The mix of flavors and that perfect texture makes it stand out from other desserts you might try.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use something other than maple syrup?
Yep! You can try honey or agave instead. Just use the same amount as called for.
→ How do I keep leftover cake fresh?
Store it in an airtight container. It'll keep for 3 days on the counter or a week in the fridge.
→ Why is toasting the almond slices important?
Toasting makes their flavor pop and adds a yummy crunch to the cake.
→ Can this cake be frozen?
Sure thing! Wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months.
→ Do I have to use a springform pan?
Nope! You can use a regular 8-inch round pan. Just line it with parchment paper so the cake lifts out easily.

Delightful Almond Dessert

This almond-rich cake, made with almond flour and maple syrup, gets a nice crunch from toasted almond toppings. Great for light desserts or a sweet snack.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Kylie

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 A quarter teaspoon of salt
02 Two teaspoons of baking powder
03 Two cups of finely ground almond flour (blanched)

→ Wet Ingredients

04 Three eggs
05 Half a teaspoon vanilla extract
06 Two tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
07 A teaspoon of almond extract
08 Half a cup of pure maple syrup

→ Toppings

09 Optional: dusting of powdered sugar for the top
10 A quarter cup raw almond slices (or more if you'd like to serve with extra)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat an 8-inch round or springform pan with nonstick spray so the batter won't stick.

Step 02

Scatter the almond slices on a small baking tray. Place it in the oven for about 5 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don't burn. Once lightly browned, set them aside to cool.

Step 03

Take a medium bowl. Combine the salt, almond flour, and baking powder, mixing until everything's well blended.

Step 04

In a bigger bowl, combine the eggs, oil, maple syrup, and the two extracts. Use a whisk to mix it all until smooth and consistent.

Step 05

Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 06

Transfer the batter to the pan you prepared. Scatter the cooled almonds right on top for an even layer.

Step 07

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The top should turn golden, and when you poke a toothpick in it, it should come out clean.

Step 08

Let it sit in the pan until cool. Add raw almond slices or sprinkle on some powdered sugar if you're feeling fancy before slicing and serving.

Notes

  1. Perfect as dessert, on the side, or even for a morning treat.
  2. Made with wholesome basics like maple syrup and almond flour.
  3. You can choose either avocado oil or olive oil.

Tools You'll Need

  • A small baking tray
  • A whisk for blending
  • Medium-sized mixing bowl
  • Large bowl for wet ingredients
  • An 8-inch round or springform pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains almonds, which are tree nuts.
  • Includes eggs as an ingredient.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 263
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~