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Slice of light-colored, moist cake dusted with powdered sugar on a blue and white plate with a fork

Magically Moist Almond Cake

Chef Julia
Indulge in this Magically Moist Almond Cake recipe gluten-free food perfection, tender & rich with almond flavor. Easy recipe for a crowd-pleasing dessert!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Tea Cake
Cuisine international
Servings 10 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups 250g blanched almond flour – Finely ground for a smooth, tender crumb (not almond meal, which is coarser)
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder – Provides a slight lift without making the cake dense
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor

Wet Ingredients

  • ¾ cup 170g unsalted butter, softened – For richness and moisture (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar – Adjust to ½ cup for a less sweet cake
  • 3 large eggs room temperature – Helps bind the batter and adds structure
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – Enhances the nutty almond flavor
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract optional – For an extra layer of almond aroma

Optional Add-Ins

  • Zest of 1 lemon or orange – Brightens the flavor
  • ½ cup sliced almonds – For a crunchy topping
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips – For a decadent twist

Instructions
 

Prep Work

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Prepare pan: Grease an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • 2½ cups (250g) blanched almond flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes):
  • ¾ cup (170g) softened butter
  • ¾ cup (150g) sugar
  • Scrape bowl halfway through for even mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs & Flavorings

  • Beat in one at a time: 3 large eggs (room temperature).
  • Mix in:
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Batter should look smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry

  • Gently fold dry ingredients into wet batter with a spatula.
  • Mix just until combined – overmixing causes denseness.
  • Optional: Fold in zest or chocolate chips now.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

  • Cool completely before slicing (about 1 hour).
  • Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories Fat Carbs Protein Fiber Sugar
320 kcal 28g 14g 8g 3g 10g
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on
Keyword Almond Flour Cake, Gluten-Free Dessert, Magically Moist Almond Cake