Alpine Almond Cake

Here’s a recipe for an Alpine Almond Cake! This cake is light yet flavorful with a nice almond essence, perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a great way to bring a little bit of the Alps into your kitchen.

Alpine Almond Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120g) almond flour (or finely ground almonds)

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar

• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or cream

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp almond extract (optional, for a more intense almond flavor)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a fresh twist)

• Sliced almonds (for garnish)

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round 9-inch (23 cm) cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
   In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. If you’re using lemon zest, add it in as well.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). You can use an electric mixer for this step.

4. Add the Eggs and Extracts:
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. Pour and Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with sliced almonds.

7. Bake:
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve:
   Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

   Once cooled, dust with a little powdered sugar and serve.

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Optional Add-Ins:

• Fruit: You can add a handful of berries (like raspberries or blueberries) into the batter before baking for an extra burst of flavor.

• Lemon Glaze: If you like a little citrusy sweetness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) on top once cooled.

This cake is super versatile, so feel free to adjust the ingredients to your taste! How does that sound?