Eternal Love Almond Cake
This exquisite Almond Cake, inspired by the heartfelt marriage of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, captures the essence of love with its delicate flavor and rich history. As Mary showcased her affection by baking this cherished white cake for Lincoln, it symbolizes their enduring bond. The fluffy texture, complemented by the nuttiness of finely chopped almonds and topped with a glossy white frosting, makes this cake an ideal centerpiece for any celebration. Treat your family and friends to a slice of history and sweeten your gatherings with this delightful recipe.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sugar
1 1/2 cups
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Cake flour
2 1/4 cups (sifted)
Baking powder
1 tablespoon
Milk
1 1/3 cups
Almonds
1 cup (finely chopped)
Egg whites
6 (stiffly beaten)
Sugar for syrup
1 cup
Water
1/3 cup
Cream of tartar
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1 dash
Egg whites for frosting
2
Vanilla extract for frosting
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch by 1.5-inch round cake pans.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3
In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and baking powder three times to aerate the mixture.
4
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.
5
Gently fold in the finely chopped almonds and then the stiffly beaten egg whites until no white streaks remain.
6
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
For the White Frosting, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup water, cream of tartar, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook until the sugar dissolves.
10
While the syrup is boiling, place 2 egg whites in a mixing bowl. Start beating the egg whites and slowly add the hot syrup in a thin stream.
11
Continue to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form, which should take about 7 minutes. Finally, beat in the vanilla extract for another minute.
12
Once the cakes have cooled, spread the white frosting generously on top of one cake layer, add the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake. Enjoy your beautifully crafted Eternal Love Almond Cake!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Eternal Love Almond Cake?
Eternal Love Almond Cake is a delicate white cake inspired by the marriage of Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, known for its fluffy texture and nutty almond flavor.
Who inspired this almond cake recipe?
The recipe is inspired by Mary Todd Lincoln, who used to bake this cherished cake for her husband, Abraham Lincoln.
What historical significance does this cake hold?
It symbolizes the enduring bond and affection between Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln, serving as a piece of American culinary history.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What size cake pans are required?
You will need two 9-inch by 1.5-inch round cake pans.
How should I prepare the cake pans?
The cake pans should be greased and floured before adding the batter.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is to cream together the sugar, softened butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How many times should the cake flour be sifted?
The cake flour and baking powder should be sifted together three times to properly aerate the mixture.
How do I incorporate the milk and flour?
Gradually add the sifted flour mixture alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour, mixing until just combined.
How are the almonds prepared for the cake?
The almonds should be finely chopped before being folded into the batter.
What is the secret to the cake's fluffy texture?
The fluffy texture is achieved by sifting the flour three times and gently folding in stiffly beaten egg whites.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake typically bakes for about 30 minutes.
How can I tell if the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the cakes cool in the pans?
Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What kind of frosting is used for this recipe?
A glossy white frosting made from a boiled sugar syrup and beaten egg whites is used.
What ingredients are in the white frosting syrup?
The syrup consists of 1 cup of sugar, 1/3 cup water, cream of tartar, and a dash of salt.
How do I add the hot syrup to the frosting?
Slowly pour the hot syrup in a thin stream into the egg whites while continuously beating them.
How long should I beat the frosting mixture?
Beat the frosting for approximately 7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
When should the vanilla be added to the frosting?
The vanilla extract should be beaten into the frosting during the final minute of mixing.
How do I assemble the cake?
Spread frosting on top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and then frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Is this cake suitable for weddings?
Yes, it is often used for celebrations and is tagged as a wedding cake due to its elegant appearance and flavor.
What type of flour is best for this cake?
Cake flour is used in this recipe to ensure a fine and delicate crumb.
How many egg whites are needed in total?
The recipe requires 6 egg whites for the batter and 2 additional egg whites for the frosting.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, a dash of salt is included in the frosting preparation.
What role does cream of tartar play?
Cream of tartar is used in the frosting to help stabilize the egg whites.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes, granulated sugar is used for both the cake batter and the frosting syrup.
Is the butter melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to room temperature for proper creaming.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include cake, dessert, almond, wedding cake, celebration, historical recipes, american history, and sweet.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients used across the cake and the frosting.
What makes this cake a good centerpiece?
Its historical story, light texture, and beautiful white frosting make it a visually stunning and conversation-starting centerpiece.