almond cake

Recipe by
Carolyn Haas
Whitewater, WI

This is a traditional sweet in Portugal where it's called "toucinho do ceu" or bacon from heaven because it used to be made with lard! No pig products required in this version! The almonds replace flour here, so it's good for those who eat gluten-free.

yield 8 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 50 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For almond cake

  • 1/4 c
    unsalted butter, room temperature, more for greasing pan
  • flour for dusting pan
  • 3/4 c
    water
  • 1 3/4 c
    superfine sugar
  • pinch
    salt
  • 1 3/4 c
    ground almonds
  • 2
    eggs
  • 5
    egg yolks
  • 1 tsp
    almond extract or amaretto
  • zest of 1/2 orange
  • confectioners' sugar, to dust

How To Make almond cake

  • 1
    Preheat oven 300ºF. Grease 10-inch round or 8-inch square pan with butter and dust with flour. Place a piece of parchment paper over the bottom.
  • 2
    In a saucepan set over medium heat, boil the water with the sugar and salt. Add the ground almonds as soon as water is boiling. Reduce heat to low-medium and stir mixture for 5-6 minutes. It will become a soft, thick almond paste. Cut in lumps of the butter and fold in as it melts.
  • 3
    In a bowl, lightly beat together the eggs and egg yolks. Stir in the almond mixture, then add almond extract and orange zest. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until cake is firm and looks golden brown.
  • 4
    Let cool in the pan then flip onto plate and remove parchment. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve.

Categories & Tags for Almond Cake:

ADVERTISEMENT