Bakery Style Vanilla Almond Cake
Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas
Delight in the rich flavors of this Bakery Style Vanilla Almond Cake, perfect for any occasion.
This Bakery Style Vanilla Almond Cake is a staple dessert that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. With its moist texture and fragrant almond flavor, it's sure to become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously moist with a hint of almond flavor
- Perfectly sweetened for any dessert lover
- Versatile for celebrations or casual gatherings
The Perfect Celebration Cake
This Bakery Style Vanilla Almond Cake is the ideal sweet treat for any celebration. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or holiday gathering, its rich flavors and moist texture will impress your guests. The subtle hint of almond complements the classic vanilla, creating a harmonious balance that appeals to a wide range of palates. Adding this cake to your dessert table is sure to elevate the occasion.
Not only is this cake delicious, but it's also versatile. You can easily dress it up with fresh fruits, edible flowers, or chocolate ganache for a more extravagant presentation. Alternatively, keep it simple with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Whatever your style, this cake can adapt beautifully to your vision.
A Recipe for All Skill Levels
One of the greatest aspects of this Vanilla Almond Cake is its accessibility. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, both novice and experienced bakers can create this masterpiece in their own kitchens. The creaming method used for the batter ensures a light and fluffy texture, making it foolproof for anyone looking to impress.
Moreover, the ingredients are simple yet effective. The combination of butter and sugar in the batter contributes to its moistness, while the addition of milk ensures a tender crumb. This recipe is a perfect starting point for those new to baking, allowing them to build confidence while creating something delicious.
As you gain experience, feel free to experiment with flavors and fillings. Adding different extracts or incorporating fruits can make this cake uniquely yours, allowing for endless possibilities.
Storage and Serving Tips
After baking, it's essential to store your Vanilla Almond Cake properly to maintain its freshness. Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it for longer, consider refrigerating it, where it can last for up to a week. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
When it comes to serving, this cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. A cup of coffee or tea complements the sweetness perfectly, making it an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can elevate the dessert experience to a new level of indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Make sure to measure all ingredients accurately for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Add milk, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate the cake as desired, and enjoy!
Baking Tips for Success
To ensure the best results when baking this Vanilla Almond Cake, always measure your ingredients accurately. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. This can significantly affect the cake's texture and overall outcome.
Another tip is to avoid overmixing the batter. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. This helps prevent a dense cake and allows for a light, airy texture that is characteristic of bakery-style cakes.
Creative Variations
While this cake shines on its own, feel free to get creative with flavors. Consider adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter for a refreshing twist. You can also mix in chocolate chips or nuts for added texture and flavor.
For a fun twist, try making mini versions of this cake in muffin tins or as layered cupcakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they are baked through but remain moist and delicious.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Almond flour can be used, but it may change the texture and moisture of the cake.
→ How should I store the cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
→ What can I substitute for almond extract?
You can use additional vanilla extract or leave it out for a vanilla-only flavor.
Bakery Style Vanilla Almond Cake
Delight in the rich flavors of this Bakery Style Vanilla Almond Cake, perfect for any occasion.
Created by: Emma
Recipe Type: Indulgent Baking Ideas
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Add milk, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g