Description
This Almond Croissant Cake is a luscious, light, and fluffy dessert inspired by the classic almond croissant. Made with finely chopped almonds, whipped cream, and a subtle almond extract, this cake offers a tender crumb and a nutty flavor, finished with a crunchy almond topping and a dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a special occasion dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole raw almonds (skin-on or blanched)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 1/2 cups (minus 1 Tbsp) all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and lightly flour a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Chop Almonds: Finely chop the whole raw almonds using a food processor by pulsing until they are finely ground but not entirely turned into almond meal. Alternatively, finely chop with a knife. Set aside the chopped almonds.
- Whip Cream: In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until it forms firm peaks. Once whipped, refrigerate to keep it chilled and stable.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (minus 1 tablespoon), baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a stand mixer or large bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and almond extract together until the mixture is very light and fluffy, incorporating plenty of air.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients and Almonds: Gently fold the dry flour mixture and finely chopped almonds into the egg mixture until combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the batter without deflating it, ensuring no streaks remain and the batter is smooth and airy.
- Assemble Cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared springform pan and spread evenly. Scatter the sliced almonds over the top and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of sugar for a sweet, crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes until it is puffed up and golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Release: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then carefully release and remove the springform ring. Transfer the cake to a serving plate or cake stand.
- Finish and Serve: Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving. The cake is delicious warm or at room temperature.
- Storage: Store the cake on the counter covered with a cake dome or wrapped in foil, keeping it fresh for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
Notes
- If you don’t have a food processor, finely chopping the almonds by hand will work as long as they are chopped very finely.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake toward the end to avoid overbaking.
- Do not slice the cake until ready to serve to keep it moist and fresh.
- The almond extract enhances the nutty flavor but can be adjusted to taste or omitted if unavailable.
- This cake is best served within 3 days when stored at room temperature or can be frozen for extended storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired