This is the cake for almond lovers! This single-layer cake is moist and tender and packed with almond flavor. A combination of almond paste, almond extract, and sliced almonds make this the best almond cake ever! Prefer a bite-sized almond treat? Try our almond croissant bites.
“This was a big hit with my family. Everyone loved the flavor. Followed the recipe as written and served with non-dairy topping, blueberries and raspberries. Will definitely make again.” ★★★★★
– Sharla (reader)
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What sets this recipe apart
Easy one-bowl recipe: The cake batter comes together in a food processor in minutes!
Single layer: This is much faster and easier than a layer cake. And the sugared-almond topping eliminates the need for frosting!
Versatility: This cake can be served for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Serve it plain or topped with whipped cream and berries.
Recipe overview
*Full recipe below in recipe card.*
Step 1
Pulse almond paste and sugar in a food processor until finely ground.
Step 2
Add softened butter and process until combined.
Step 3
Add eggs and almond extract and process until combined.
Step 4
Sprinkle in flour, baking powder and salt. Give it a whirl until combined.
Step 5
Spread the batter into an 8-inch cake pan. Sprinkle sliced almonds and sugar over the top. Bake.
My recipe testing tips
Your almond paste should be soft, moist, and easy to break apart. The almond paste gets processed into the cake batter and adds texture and a sweet almond flavor to the cake.
I do not recommend trying to substitute the almond paste with another ingredient.
This cake is best when made in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, you can make this almond cranberry cake (omit the cranberries or swap them for another berry).
When removing the cake from the pan a few of the sliced almonds might fall off. Just press them back on top of the cake.
Leftover almond paste? Make a batch of almond cherry bars OR tightly wrap it and freeze it for up to 6 months.
Serving options
This cake can be served anytime of day. It’s delicious plain alongside a cup of coffee or tea, or you can pair it with whipped cream and berries.
Berry topping: Warm berry jam to thin it out. Spoon some jam and whipped cream over the top of each slice of cake and top with fresh berries.
Recipe
Almond Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 4 ounces almond paste
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- ½ cup sliced almonds
- 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- optional toppings (to serve): powdered sugar, whipped cream, fresh berries
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the middle of the oven. Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease the pan.
- Crumble almond paste into food processor bowl. Add granulated sugar and pulse until almond paste is finely ground. Add butter and process until smooth (it will turn into a ball; just keep processing until it smooths out). Add eggs and almond extract and process until combined, occasionally stopping the processor and scraping sides and bottom of bowl. Sprinkle in flour, baking powder, and salt, and process until blended.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan on the countertop a few times to remove air bubbles. Top the cake batter with sliced almonds and 1-2 tablespoons sugar (I like to add half the almonds, sprinkle over half the sugar, then repeat with remaining almonds and sugar).
- Bake for 23-26 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack. Cool for 30 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and place the cake back on the rack to cool. If a few almonds fall off the top you can just press them back on. If desired, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or serve with the berry topping mentioned below.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!Recipe adapted from Good Housekeeping.
Patrick from Michigan says
I doubled the recipe and made 2 cakes using spring form pans since I didn’t have 8 inch cake pans….This isn’t the same as what I grew up used to as this really is more like cake….Great almond flavor and used powdered sugar and not overly sweet. The version I’m used too is more a dense cookie brownie type cake.
FoodLady says
Just what I’ve been looking for. But I think I’ll try it in a 7″ spring form pan and just add a few minutes cooking time. What do you think?
Allison Mattina says
Hi! I think the pan size would be ok (with a little extra bake time) but I don’t usually bake cake batter in a springform pan because there’s a chance the batter could leak through the cracks. If you’ve done it before, and your pan seals tight, then it should be fine. Enjoy!
Karin Whitney says
If you butter the springform pan then cut to shape and line with parchment and butter parchment, and place on a large baking sheet there will be no issues with batter leakage.
Jenifer says
This cake is delicious! So simple and such a pretty cake to look at. I’ll be making this again and again! Perfect with a strong cup of coffee.
Allison Mattina says
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Randi Lee says
I’ve made a lot of great baked goods but this earned me the most compliments by far! It is my mom and partner fave! Thanks for sharing this lovely recipe.
Allison Mattina says
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Jeanne M says
Can this be made in a stand mixer?
Allison Mattina says
Hi, Jeanne. I’ve only made the recipe as written but I believe there are several comments from people who used an electric mixer. Just be sure the almond paste gets broken down and well dispersed into the batter.
Andrew says
fantastic recipe this was super easy to make made a vary nice amount of cake if definitely not something you half to worry about being around the house to long a specially for how delicious it is.
Allison Mattina says
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by!
Marlene says
I want to make your fabulous looking almond cake, but I do not have a food processor. What could I do?
Allison Mattina says
Hi! I think several other readers have had success using an electric mixer. Just make sure to get the almond paste well incorporated into the batter.
Liza Hubbard says
this is so yummy … i went and bought almond paste to have in house so i can make it anytime – how do you think it would freeze?
Allison Mattina says
Yay! I’m so glad. I think the cake itself will freeze just fine. The sliced almonds might be a bit less crunchy after thawing though. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 🙂
Sharon says
Do you think it would turn out the same with almond flour instead of all purpose flour?
Allison Mattina says
No, it needs the structure from the ap flour. If you need a gluten free alternative you can try a 1:1 gluten free baking blend.
Ferdous says
We’ve made this several times and absolutely love it!
Allison Mattina says
That’s great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. 🙂
Kathy says
This tasted so good! I made two because I accidently used marzipan on the first one and was afraid it might be too sweet but it was really good too, I just didn’t sprinkle any sugar on top. Tastes like an almond croissant.
Allison Mattina says
Thanks for sharing! I’m glad it worked out. 🙂