Heavenly Almond Bliss Cake
Indulge in the rich, nutty flavor of our Heavenly Almond Bliss Cake, a delightful recipe inspired by the famous Chez Panisse Almond Cake. This moist and decadent dessert combines the luxurious taste of almond paste with the buttery richness of unsalted butter, making it a perfect treat for special occasions, gatherings, or simply to enjoy at home. Served plain or dusted with powdered sugar, this cake promises to be a memorable addition to your dessert repertoire. Share the joy of baking with friends and family as you create this impressive cake that is sure to please everyone’s palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
1 1/3 cups (Measure directly.)
almond paste
3/4 cup (Break into small pieces.)
unsalted butter
10 ounces (Softened to room temperature.)
large eggs
6 (At room temperature.)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Measure directly.)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (Sifted.)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (Sifted.)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (Sifted.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and position the oven rack in the center.
2
Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper or greasing it with butter and dusting it lightly with flour, ensuring to tap out any excess.
3
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to combine granulated sugar and almond paste, mixing until the almond paste is finely broken down into the sugar, creating a sandy texture.
4
Add the softened unsalted butter to the mixture and beat for several minutes until the blend is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and then slowly drizzle the mixture into the cake batter while continuously mixing on medium speed, ensuring a smooth and consistent batter.
6
Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
7
In another bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
8
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter using a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
9
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the almond paste used, so keep an eye on it.
11
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12
Serve the almond cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar. Wrap any leftovers tightly, and this cake will stay fresh for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Almond Bliss Cake?
It is a moist and decadent dessert featuring a rich, nutty flavor inspired by the famous Chez Panisse Almond Cake.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the well-known Almond Cake from Chez Panisse.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients required: granulated sugar, almond paste, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
What size cake pan should I use?
The recipe calls for a 9-inch round cake pan.
How should I prepare the cake pan?
Line the bottom with parchment paper or grease it with butter and dust it lightly with flour, tapping out the excess.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Position the oven rack in the center of the oven for even baking.
How do I prepare the almond paste?
Break the almond paste into small pieces before mixing it with the granulated sugar.
What texture should the sugar and almond paste mixture have?
The mixture should be combined until the almond paste is finely broken down, creating a sandy texture.
How long should I beat the butter and sugar mixture?
Beat the mixture for several minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
How should the eggs be incorporated?
Whisk the eggs first, then slowly drizzle them into the batter while mixing on medium speed.
Do the eggs need to be at room temperature?
Yes, using 6 large eggs at room temperature helps ensure a smooth and consistent batter.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Stir in the vanilla extract after the egg mixture has been well combined into the batter.
Should the dry ingredients be sifted?
Yes, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
How should I combine the dry ingredients with the wet batter?
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the batter using a spatula until they are just combined.
What is the risk of overmixing?
Overmixing can affect the texture, so you should only fold the ingredients until just combined.
How long does the cake take to bake?
The cake typically takes approximately 60 minutes to bake.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Why might the baking time vary?
Baking time can vary slightly depending on the specific almond paste used.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it.
Where should the cake finish cooling?
Move the cake to a wire rack to allow it to cool completely.
How should I serve the Heavenly Almond Bliss Cake?
You can serve it plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
How should I store leftover cake?
Wrap any leftovers tightly to keep the cake moist and fresh.
How long will the cake stay fresh?
When wrapped tightly, the cake will stay fresh for up to one week.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe requires 10 ounces of unsalted butter softened to room temperature.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor and impressive presentation make it perfect for gatherings and special events.
What is the primary flavor profile of the cake?
The cake features a luxurious almond flavor combined with buttery richness.
Can I use granulated sugar for the topping?
While the batter uses granulated sugar, the topping is typically powdered sugar for a decorative finish.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
Is this a good recipe for sharing?
Absolutely, it is designed to be shared with friends and family and is sure to please any palate.