Ina Garten’s Almond Cake is a rich, buttery dessert with the warm, nutty flavor of almonds. This elegant cake is perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or as a delightful treat any day. Simple yet indulgent, this recipe highlights Ina’s signature style of combining sophistication with ease.

What is Ina Garten Almond Cake?

Ina Garten’s Almond Cake is a moist and tender dessert made with almond paste, butter, sugar, and eggs. The cake is subtly flavored with almond extract and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze. Its dense yet soft texture makes it a standout dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Almond Cake

Rich almond flavor: Perfectly balanced with just the right sweetness.
Moist and buttery: The texture is soft and luxurious.
Elegant simplicity: A sophisticated dessert that’s easy to make.
Versatile: Great for casual gatherings or formal events.
Make-ahead friendly: Stays moist and flavorful for days.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Almond Cake

Almond paste: 8 ounces, broken into small pieces.
Granulated sugar: 1 cup.
Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened.
Eggs: 4 large.
Almond extract: 1 teaspoon.
Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
All-purpose flour: 1 cup.
Baking powder: 1 teaspoon.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon.
Powdered sugar: For dusting (optional).

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Almond Cake

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Blend the almond paste and sugar

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine almond paste and sugar. Mix on medium speed until crumbly and well blended.

Step 3: Add butter and eggs

Add the softened butter to the almond-sugar mixture and beat until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Step 4: Incorporate the extracts

Mix in the almond and vanilla extracts until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: Pour and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle with a light glaze for extra sweetness.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Almond Cake

Whipped cream: Adds lightness to complement the dense cake.
Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or tea: Enhances the nutty flavors beautifully.
Vanilla ice cream: A creamy pairing that makes the dessert even more indulgent.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Almond Cake

Use high-quality almond paste: It’s the star ingredient, so choose a good brand.
Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense.
Line the pan: Parchment paper ensures easy removal without sticking.
Cool completely before serving: This allows the flavors to fully develop.
Experiment with toppings: Try a glaze, slivered almonds, or a drizzle of honey for added flair.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Almond Cake

Chocolate almond cake: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
Citrus-infused cake: Mix in 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing note.
Almond coconut cake: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Almond Cake

Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to a week for extended freshness.
Freezing: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can almond flour be used instead of almond paste in almond cake?

No, almond flour cannot replace almond paste in this recipe. Almond paste provides a distinct texture and concentrated almond flavor that almond flour cannot replicate.

How do you store almond cake to keep it fresh?

To keep the almond cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2 months, wrapping slices individually.

Can an almond cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, almond cake can be made gluten-free by replacing the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. This will give the cake a slightly denser texture but maintain its rich almond flavor.

What toppings pair well with almond cake?

Almond cake pairs well with powdered sugar, a light glaze, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey. For added crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds on top before serving.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Almond Cake is a timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Perfect for any occasion, it’s a must-try recipe for almond lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

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