Ina Garten’s Heavenly Almond Cake Recipe That Wows Every Time

Baking an almond cake with Ina Garten signature touch brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Her classic recipe delivers a delightful blend of richness and subtle sweetness.

Almonds create a luxurious texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

The fragrant aroma fills every corner with warmth and comfort.

Each slice promises a delectable experience that celebrates simple, elegant ingredients.

Smooth, moist, and utterly irresistible, this cake will become your new favorite dessert.

You’ll want to savor every heavenly bite of this incredible treat.

Ina Garten Almond Cake: Delicious Distinction

• Elevate your baking skills with this simple yet sophisticated almond cake that brings gourmet flavors to your home kitchen.
• Perfect for busy households, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum taste with straightforward preparation steps.
• Suitable for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert, this cake adapts beautifully to various occasions and satisfies different palate preferences.
• Add personal touches like extra almond slices or swap maple syrup with honey to make the recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core.

Almond Cake Ingredients à la Ina Garten

• Almond Flour: A gluten-free flour made from ground almonds that provides a rich, nutty flavor and tender texture.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake and balances the sweetness.

• Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds depth and a unique flavor to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil: Keeps the cake moist and contributes to its soft texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the almond notes.
• Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond flavor and provides a rich, aromatic essence.

• Sliced Almonds: Toasted almonds add a crunchy texture and enhance the nutty flavor of the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting provides a sweet finish and decorative touch to the cake.
• Raw Almond Slices: Optional garnish that adds extra crunch and visual appeal.

Equipment List for Almond Cake Baking

• Springform Pan or Round Cake Pan: Essential for baking the cake with easy removal.
• Baking Tray: Small tray for toasting almond slices evenly.
• Medium Bowl: For mixing dry ingredients like almond flour.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for whisking wet ingredients together smoothly.
• Whisk: Great for blending eggs, maple syrup, and extracts thoroughly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.
• Cooling Rack: Optional for cooling cake after baking.
• Sifter or Fine Strainer: For dusting powdered sugar on top.

Steps to a Perfect Ina Garten Almond Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F.

Grab an 8-inch springform pan or round cake pan and coat it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Golden Almond Crunch

Spread sliced almonds on a small baking tray.

Pop them in the oven for 4-5 minutes, keeping a close eye to ensure they turn a beautiful golden brown without burning.

Once done, set aside to cool completely.

Step 3: Blend Dry Components

• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Mix these ingredients until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Whip Up Liquid Magic

• Eggs
• Maple syrup
• Cooking oil
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Ensure the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a consistent, silky batter with no lumps.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan.

Sprinkle the toasted almond slices evenly across the top, creating a delightful crunchy surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the cake in the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes.

The cake is ready when the top turns a light golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

When ready to serve, dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar.

For extra flair, scatter additional raw almond slices on top.

Expert Tips for Almond Cake Success

• Watch almonds closely while toasting, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt. Set a timer and stay near the oven to ensure perfect color.
• Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for different flavor profiles. Each alternative brings a unique sweetness to the cake.
• Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Fold in extra almond flour for a denser cake or reduce it slightly for a lighter, more delicate crumb. Experiment to find your ideal texture.
• Keep cake fresh by storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if you want to extend its shelf life.

Almond Cake: Custom Flavors to Explore

• Gluten-Free Almond Delight: Replace almond flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive bakers, maintaining the same nutty essence and tender texture.
• Vegan Almond Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and swap maple syrup with agave nectar for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Almond Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of maple syrup, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the cake's rich almond flavor intact.
• Citrus-Infused Almond Cake: Add orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, fresh undertone that complements the almond's warmth, creating a more complex flavor profile.

How to Serve Almond Cake Like Ina

• Cozy Afternoon Tea Partner: Serve slices alongside steaming Earl Grey tea or rich cappuccino for a delightful European-style dessert experience.
• Brunch Elegance Centerpiece: Present cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, and mint leaves for a stunning weekend gathering presentation that impresses guests.
• Decadent Dessert Upgrade: Drizzle warm honey or caramel sauce over individual slices, adding extra richness and creating a restaurant-quality finishing touch.
• Healthier Indulgence Option: Pair with Greek yogurt or light vanilla ice cream for a balanced treat that satisfies sweet cravings without overwhelming richness.

Almond Cake: Storing

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
• Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Unwrap slowly to prevent condensation from making cake soggy.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore original texture and warmth.

FAQs

• Why use almond flour instead of regular flour?

Almond flour provides a naturally gluten-free base, creates a moist texture, and adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

• Can I substitute maple syrup with another sweetener?

Yes, you can use honey or agave nectar as alternatives, but they might slightly change the cake’s final flavor profile and sweetness level.

• How do I know if the almonds are perfectly toasted?

Look for a golden-brown color and a fragrant, nutty aroma. The almonds should be lightly browned but not dark or burnt, which happens quickly during toasting.

• Is this cake suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The cake is naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by ensuring the oil and other ingredients meet those requirements, making it friendly for various dietary needs.

Ina Garten Almond Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s almond cake brings Mediterranean charm to classic dessert lovers. Silky texture and rich almond flavor highlight this elegant French-inspired treat for weekend gatherings and special occasions.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 cups fine blanched almond flour
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup sliced raw almonds

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8-inch springform pan by coating it thoroughly with cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Distribute sliced almonds on a small baking tray and roast for 4-5 minutes, carefully monitoring to achieve a golden-brown color without scorching. Allow almonds to cool completely after toasting.
3. Blend almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of dry ingredients.
4. Whisk eggs, maple syrup, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a large bowl until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly frothy.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring gently until a smooth, consistent batter forms without overmixing.
6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan, creating an even surface and strategically sprinkling toasted almond slices across the top for visual appeal and added texture.
7. Place cake in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking for a light golden surface and confirming doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
8. Remove from oven and allow cake to cool completely within the pan, then garnish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and optional raw almond slices for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Customize Flour Alternatives for dietary needs by substituting almond flour with gluten-free options like coconut or oat flour for those with sensitivities.
• Control Sweetness by adjusting maple syrup quantity, using honey or agave as alternative natural sweeteners that complement almond flavor.
• Enhance Texture by ensuring ingredients are room temperature, which helps create smoother batter and more consistent cake structure.
• Maximize Flavor Depth by lightly crushing toasted almonds before sprinkling, releasing more nutty aromatics and creating interesting visual texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg