Almond Dream Cake
A delightful recipe inspired by Abraham Lincoln's favorite cake, this moist and flavorful Almond Dream Cake features ground almonds blended into a light batter of whipped egg whites, butter, and buttermilk. The cake is topped with crunchy flaked almonds for added texture and visual appeal. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert, this cake will transport your taste buds to a simpler time while delighting your senses with its rich yet fluffy texture and nutty aroma. Enjoy a slice of history with this deliciously elegant treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Egg whites
6 large (Beaten until stiff peaks form.)
Sugar
2 cups, divided (1 cup for egg whites and 1 cup for creaming with butter.)
Blanched almonds
1 1/4 cups (Toasted and finely chopped.)
Butter
1 cup (Softened.)
Flour
3 cups (Sifted with baking powder and salt.)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon (Sifted with flour.)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Sifted with flour.)
Buttermilk
1 cup (Mixed with vanilla and almond extracts.)
Vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (Added to buttermilk.)
Almond extract
1 teaspoon (Added to buttermilk.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch tube pan and line the bottom with greased wax paper for easier removal if desired.
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they become frothy.
3
Gradually add 1 cup of sugar to the egg whites, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
4
In a separate bowl, finely chop the toasted blanched almonds and set aside.
5
Cream the butter with the remaining 1 cup of sugar in another mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy.
6
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a separate bowl, then fold in the chopped almonds.
7
In a small bowl, mix the vanilla and almond extracts into the buttermilk.
8
Gradually combine the buttermilk mixture with the creamed butter, alternating with the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined.
9
Gently fold in the beaten egg whites into the batter, being careful not to deflate them.
10
Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
11
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before removing it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
13
Once cool, frost with your favorite boiled icing and sprinkle flaked almonds on top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the inspiration behind the Almond Dream Cake?
The recipe is inspired by Abraham Lincoln's favorite cake, offering a slice of history with an elegant treat.
What are the primary flavors of this cake?
The cake features a rich nutty aroma from toasted almonds combined with vanilla and almond extracts.
How many egg whites are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 large egg whites.
What is the correct preparation for the egg whites?
The egg whites should be beaten until frothy, then mixed with sugar until stiff peaks form.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of baking pan is needed?
A 10-inch tube pan is recommended for this cake.
How should the baking pan be prepared?
Grease the pan and line the bottom with greased wax paper to ensure easy removal.
How do I prepare the blanched almonds?
The 1 1/4 cups of blanched almonds should be toasted and then finely chopped.
How much sugar is used in the Almond Dream Cake?
A total of 2 cups of sugar is used, divided between the egg whites and the creamed butter.
What role does buttermilk play in this recipe?
Buttermilk is mixed with extracts and added to the batter to provide moisture and a fluffy texture.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of softened butter.
What are the specific dry ingredients used?
The dry ingredients include 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
What is the baking time for the cake?
The cake should be baked for approximately 1 hour.
How do I check if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is the technique for adding egg whites to the batter?
Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter to avoid deflating them.
How long should the cake cool before removal from the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes.
What type of frosting is suggested?
The recipe suggests frosting the cooled cake with your favorite boiled icing.
How are flaked almonds used in the presentation?
Flaked almonds are sprinkled on top of the frosting for added texture and visual appeal.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
The cake has a rich yet fluffy texture that is both moist and light.
How much vanilla extract is included?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
How much almond extract is included?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the flour should be sifted together with the baking powder and salt.
In what order should the buttermilk and dry ingredients be added?
They should be added to the creamed butter gradually, alternating between the buttermilk mixture and the dry ingredients.
What should the butter and sugar mixture look like after creaming?
The mixture should be beaten until it appears light and fluffy.
Can I use a wire rack for cooling?
Yes, after the initial cooling period in the pan, move the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
What size tube pan is specified?
The instructions specify a 10-inch tube pan.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 main ingredients required for the Almond Dream Cake.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include dessert, cake, almond, moist, historical recipe, celebration, and baking.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its elegant treat status makes it perfect for gatherings or as a special historical dessert.
What should be done with the chopped almonds before adding to the batter?
The chopped almonds should be folded into the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt mixture.