Are you craving a moist, flavorful coffee cake that's bursting with the delightful taste of almonds? Look no further! This recipe delivers a perfectly textured cake with a delightful almond crunch, guaranteed to be a hit at your next brunch or coffee break. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips, ensuring you achieve the perfect almond coffee cake every time.
What Makes This Almond Coffee Cake Recipe So Special?
This recipe isn't just your average coffee cake. We've focused on creating a truly exceptional experience by incorporating several key elements:
- High-quality ingredients: We emphasize using fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the cake.
- Perfectly balanced flavors: The almond flavor is expertly balanced with subtle sweetness and a touch of spice, creating a harmonious taste profile.
- Detailed instructions: The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve delicious results.
- Versatile recipe: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit individual preferences, such as adding different types of nuts or changing the frosting.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup almond flour
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For the Almond Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Fold in Almonds & Almond Flour: Gently fold in the sliced almonds and almond flour.
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Prepare Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sliced almonds, brown sugar, and cold butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter.
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Baking Time: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Glaze: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before glazing. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes! While almonds are the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute or add other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to the batter and/or crumble topping. Just be mindful that different nuts will have different flavor profiles and may slightly alter the texture.
How can I store leftover almond coffee cake?
Store leftover almond coffee cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter and crumble topping a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the cake just before serving.
What if my cake is too dry?
If your cake is too dry, you might need to increase the amount of buttermilk slightly next time. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh and that you don't overbake the cake.
Can I freeze almond coffee cake?
Yes, you can freeze almond coffee cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
This recipe provides a delightful almond coffee cake experience. Enjoy the delicious aroma and satisfying taste of this home-baked treat! Remember to adjust sweetness and spice levels according to your preference for a truly personalized cake. Happy baking!
