Almond Cream Coffee Cake
Highlighted under: Sweet Treats
I’m thrilled to share my Almond Cream Coffee Cake recipe with you! This delightful cake brings together the warmth of freshly brewed coffee and the nutty richness of almonds in every bite. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat, this cake has become a family favorite. The creamy almond filling adds a luscious texture, making it hard to resist. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a show-stopping cake that pairs wonderfully with your favorite coffee or tea.
I still remember the first time I baked this Almond Cream Coffee Cake. The aroma that filled my kitchen was incredible, and my family couldn’t wait to try a slice. The marriage of flavors between the almond cream and the fluffy cake creates a comforting experience that just works. The key is to ensure the almond cream is spread generously but evenly, allowing each bite to be a perfect blend of cake and cream.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with various toppings, but a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of almond glaze always wins. If you’re short on ingredients, play around with nuts or even fruit to see what delightful combinations you can come up with. Every version has been a hit in my home!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Nutty almond flavor that enhances the cake's sweetness
- Creamy almond filling adds a luxurious texture
- Perfect balance of flavors for any occasion
Understanding the Almond Cream Filling
The almond cream filling is a standout element of this cake, introducing a luxurious creaminess that complements the fluffy cake layers. The almond paste serves as the backbone of this filling, providing depth and a rich nutty flavor. If you find almond paste is difficult to source, you can substitute it with marzipan or make a homemade version blending almonds with powdered sugar and a little corn syrup for a similar taste and texture.
When preparing the almond cream, using cold heavy cream is crucial. This ensures that the mixture whips up smoothly and forms a glossy and light consistency. If you're missing heavy cream, full-fat coconut milk can be a great dairy-free alternative that preserves the richness while bringing its own unique taste to the cake.
Baking Tips for Optimal Texture
Achieving the right texture in this Almond Cream Coffee Cake requires careful attention during baking. Be sure to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If you find the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover the cake loosely with foil during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
It's also essential to allow the cake to cool for the recommended 10 minutes in the pan. This resting time helps the structure to stabilize, making it easier to transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling. Skipping this step can result in a cake that falls apart or loses its lovely shape.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
This Almond Cream Coffee Cake is wonderfully versatile for serving. Pair it with a fresh pot of coffee or tea for brunch, or enjoy it as a mid-afternoon snack. I love to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert option. Add a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top for an appealing presentation and an additional crunch!
When it comes to storage, this cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing slices; wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop the slices in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Almond Cream Coffee Cake:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Almond Cream
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Make sure you have everything on hand before starting your baking adventure!
Instructions
Follow these steps to bake your Almond Cream Coffee Cake:
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
Make the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Prepare the Almond Cream
In another bowl, combine almond paste, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.
Layer and Bake
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the almond cream mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy this delicious cake paired with your favorite beverage!
Pro Tips
- For an extra twist, you could add sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
Ingredient Insights
Using high-quality almond paste is key to achieving the best flavor in your cake. Not all almond pastes are equal; look for those that contain a higher ratio of almonds for an authentic taste. Some brands may have added sugars or preservatives that can alter the flavor profile, so it's worth checking the labels before purchasing.
The all-purpose flour in this recipe provides structure to the cake, while the baking powder ensures it rises beautifully. If you're aiming for a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but be sure to check for a blend that includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional flour in baked goods.
Variations for Different Occasions
Feel free to get creative with flavors in this recipe! For a seasonal twist, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter, which beautifully complements the almond cream. Additionally, you could incorporate fresh fruit, such as sliced apples or berries, either mixed into the batter or layered in between the cake and almond cream for added moisture and flavor.
For those who prefer a slightly less sweet cake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the cake and the almond cream. Simply cut the granulated sugar to ¾ cup and the powdered sugar to 3 tablespoons, adjusting according to your taste preferences while still maintaining the structure of the cake.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but note that almond flour has different properties. You may need to adjust the liquid in the recipe.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for almond paste?
You can create your own almond cream using ground almonds and sugar, but the texture will differ slightly.
Almond Cream Coffee Cake
I’m thrilled to share my Almond Cream Coffee Cake recipe with you! This delightful cake brings together the warmth of freshly brewed coffee and the nutty richness of almonds in every bite. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat, this cake has become a family favorite. The creamy almond filling adds a luscious texture, making it hard to resist. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a show-stopping cake that pairs wonderfully with your favorite coffee or tea.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Sweet Treats
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Almond Cream
- 1 cup almond paste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, followed by the milk and vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just combined.
In another bowl, combine almond paste, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and almond extract. Whisk until smooth.
Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the almond cream mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining cake batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an extra twist, you could add sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g