Creamy Almond Cake Recipe

Creamy Almond Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cream Filling:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup almond paste (optional, for enhanced almond flavor)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

Preparation:

1. Preparing the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

2. Preparing the Cream Filling:

1. In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam, but do not allow it to boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to boil.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and almond paste (if using).
6. Let the cream filling cool slightly before assembling the cake.

3. Assembling the Cake:

1. Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Spoon the cream filling over the batter, smoothing it out into an even layer.
3. Carefully spread the remaining cake batter over the cream filling, ensuring it completely covers the filling.
4. Evenly sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top of the batter.

4. Baking the Cake:

1. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Serving:

Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

This luscious creamy almond cake is the perfect accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal dessert for any special occasion or a simple treat to enjoy at home.