Decadent Almond Bliss Cake
Indulge in this exquisite Decadent Almond Bliss Cake, a carefully crafted version inspired by the beloved Dick's Burnt Almond Cake from San Jose, CA. After extensive experimentation and a few delightful surprises along the way, I've perfected a recipe that elevates the classic flavors while maintaining the essence of the original. This cake features moist layers of French vanilla cake, a luscious honey almond brittle, and a rich non-dairy whipped topping, all crowned with toasted almond slices. While the process may seem intricate, each step promises a mouthwatering reward for your efforts. Share this cake at your next gathering and let your guests experience a slice of pure bliss!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
French vanilla cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (Box version)
Vegetable oil
1/3 cup (N/A)
Eggs
3 (N/A)
Water
1 1/4 cups (N/A)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (For brittle)
Honey
5 1/2 tablespoons (N/A)
Water
2 tablespoons (For brittle mixture)
Slivered almonds
3/4 cup (Toasted)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon (Not imitation)
Almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
Water
1 cup (For simple syrup)
Almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (For simple syrup)
Torani vanilla syrup
1 tablespoon (For simple syrup)
Pastry Pride or non-dairy whipped topping
8 cups (N/A)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (For frosting)
Almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (For frosting)
Torani vanilla syrup
2 tablespoons (For frosting)
Sliced almonds
1 cup (For decoration)
Granulated sugar
1 cup (For simple syrup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them.
2
In a large bowl, mix the French vanilla cake mix according to the package directions, using the specified amounts of vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
3
Bake for the time indicated on the package, usually about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cakes from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
4
While the cakes cool, toast the sliced almonds. Spread them evenly on a dry baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes. Check every minute after the 5-minute mark to achieve a golden-brown color without burning. Once toasted, set aside to cool.
5
Next, prepare the honey almond brittle. In a heavy-bottom pot, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar. Allow it to boil without stirring for 8-10 minutes until it turns a rich amber color.
6
Remove the pot from the heat and carefully stir in the unsalted butter, toasted almonds, and baking soda. Be cautious—this mixture is extremely hot.
7
Pour the hot brittle onto a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick butter-flavored spray. Allow it to cool completely until it hardens.
8
Once hardened, break the brittle into small pieces and process in a food processor until it reaches a fine crumb consistency. If you don’t have a processor, use a blender or place it in a freezer bag and crush with a rolling pin, ensuring there are no large chunks.
9
To make the simple syrup, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small pot. Bring it to a boil for 3 minutes while stirring until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and mix in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and 1 tablespoon of Torani vanilla-flavored syrup. Set aside to cool.
10
Prepare the Pastry Pride icing according to package instructions by whipping the cold contents in a mixer until stiff peaks form. Optionally, add sugar to taste.
11
With a long serrated knife, slice each cake horizontally into two equal halves, resulting in four layers total. Brush the cut side of each layer generously with the cooled simple syrup.
12
Place 1 cup of frosting between each cake layer, followed by 1/4 cup of brittle crumbs. Repeat until all layers are stacked. Use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake.
13
Press the toasted almond slices onto the sides of the cake, and sprinkle the remaining brittle crumbs on top. Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours, but overnight is recommended for optimal flavor.
14
If there are leftovers, store them in the refrigerator. The cake will continue to improve in flavor as it sits.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Almond Bliss Cake?
It is a layered French vanilla cake featuring honey almond brittle, non-dairy whipped topping, and toasted almonds, inspired by Dick's Burnt Almond Cake from San Jose.
What was the inspiration for this cake?
This recipe was inspired by the famous Dick's Burnt Almond Cake located in San Jose, CA.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size cake pans are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans.
What kind of cake mix is used as the base?
An 18-ounce box of French vanilla cake mix is used.
How long should the cake layers bake?
The layers should bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
How do you toast the sliced almonds?
Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, checking every minute after the 5-minute mark to ensure a golden-brown color.
What ingredients make up the honey almond brittle?
The brittle consists of sugar, honey, water, unsalted butter, toasted slivered almonds, and baking soda.
How long does the brittle mixture need to boil?
The mixture should boil without stirring for 8-10 minutes until it reaches a rich amber color.
What safety precaution should be taken when making brittle?
Be extremely cautious when stirring in the butter, almonds, and baking soda as the boiling sugar mixture is very hot.
How should the brittle be processed after it hardens?
It should be broken into pieces and processed in a food processor or blender until it reaches a fine crumb consistency.
Can I crush the brittle without a food processor?
Yes, you can place the brittle in a freezer bag and crush it with a rolling pin.
How do you prepare the simple syrup?
Boil 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in almond extract and Torani vanilla syrup.
What flavoring is added to the simple syrup?
The simple syrup is flavored with 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract and 1 tablespoon of Torani vanilla-flavored syrup.
What type of frosting is recommended for this cake?
Pastry Pride or a similar non-dairy whipped topping is recommended for the frosting.
How do you prepare the non-dairy whipped icing?
Whip the cold topping in a mixer until stiff peaks form, adding vanilla and almond extracts and Torani syrup for flavor.
How many total layers are in the finished cake?
The cake has four layers total, created by slicing two round cakes horizontally.
How is the simple syrup applied to the cake?
The cooled simple syrup is brushed generously onto the cut side of each cake layer before assembly.
How much frosting and brittle goes between the cake layers?
Each layer is filled with 1 cup of frosting and 1/4 cup of brittle crumbs.
How are the toasted sliced almonds used in the decoration?
The toasted almond slices are pressed onto the sides of the cake after it has been fully frosted.
Where do the remaining brittle crumbs go?
The remaining brittle crumbs are sprinkled on the very top of the cake.
How long must the cake be refrigerated before serving?
The cake should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, but overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
How should I store leftovers of the Almond Bliss Cake?
Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Does the flavor of the cake change after storage?
Yes, the cake continues to improve in flavor as it sits in the refrigerator.
What specific brand of vanilla syrup is mentioned in the recipe?
Torani vanilla-flavored syrup is used in both the simple syrup and the frosting.
What is the purpose of adding baking soda to the brittle?
Baking soda is added to the hot sugar mixture to create a light, aerated texture in the brittle.
What type of almonds are used inside the brittle?
Slivered almonds are used for the honey almond brittle mixture.
Is this cake suitable for celebrations and holidays?
Yes, the recipe is tagged for celebrations and holidays due to its decadent nature.
What tools are needed to slice the cake layers?
A long serrated knife is recommended for slicing the cake horizontally into layers.
Can I add sugar to the frosting?
Yes, the instructions mention that you can optionally add sugar to the Pastry Pride icing to taste while whipping.