Ina Garten Almond Cake

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Ina Garten’s Almond Cake: A Rich and Elegant Dessert

If you’re a fan of Ina Garten, you know that she’s all about simple, elegant, and delicious recipes. One of her standout desserts is her Almond Cake—a rich, buttery, and nutty cake that’s moist, flavorful, and beautifully simple.

This almond cake is perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or even as a luxurious breakfast treat. It has a delicate crumb, a subtle almond flavor, and a golden-brown crust that makes it look as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, yet feels fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Let’s dive into Ina Garten’s Almond Cake recipe and discover why it’s such a beloved dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Almond Cake

✅ Rich and Moist – Made with almond flour and butter for the perfect texture.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, no complicated steps.
✅ Elegant and Classic – Perfect for entertaining or enjoying with coffee.
✅ Customizable – Add citrus zest, glaze, or fruit for extra flavor!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup almond flour (or finely ground almonds)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup whole milk

For the Topping (Optional but Delicious!):

  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • ½ cup apricot jam or honey glaze (for a shiny finish)

How to Make Ina Garten’s Almond Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
  3. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!

Step 4: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  2. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the batter for a lovely toasted topping.
  3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Add the Finishing Touches

  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  2. If using a glaze, warm apricot jam or honey slightly and brush it over the top for a shiny finish.
  3. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

🍊 With Fresh Fruit – Serve with berries, oranges, or poached pears.
☕ With Coffee or Tea – A perfect companion for your morning or afternoon drink.
🍨 With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – Add vanilla or almond-flavored whipped cream.
🍋 With a Citrus Glaze – Drizzle with a lemon or orange glaze for a fresh twist.

How to Store and Freeze Almond Cake

🧊 To Store:

  • Keep at room temperature for 2 days, covered in plastic wrap.
  • Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

❄️ To Freeze:

  • Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Fun Variations & Substitutions

🍋 Lemon Almond Cake – Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 1 tablespoon lemon juice to the batter.
🍎 Apple Almond Cake – Fold in ½ cup grated apple for a moist texture.
🍫 Chocolate Almond Cake – Stir in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
🌰 Nutty Version – Use hazelnut flour instead of almond flour for a rich flavor.

Why This Almond Cake is a Must-Try!

This Ina Garten-inspired Almond Cake is an elegant, buttery, and nutty delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or afternoon snack, it’s guaranteed to impress with its simple, yet sophisticated flavor.

So, what are you waiting for? Bake this delicious almond cake today and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence! 🍰✨

Will you be trying this recipe? Let me know how it turns out! 😊

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