Introduction & Inspiration
Some cakes have an elegance that never goes out of style, and this Almond Cream Cake is one of them.
Whenever I crave something light yet rich, with a beautiful almond flavor that is subtle but memorable, I turn to this recipe.
The combination of fluffy white cake layers and a whipped almond frosting creates a dessert that feels both classic and luxurious.
Today, I am beyond excited to share every detail with you so that you can bring this beauty to your table, too.
Nostalgic Appeal
Almond-flavored desserts have always felt incredibly nostalgic for me.
They remind me of weddings, family celebrations, and those old-fashioned bakeries where everything was made with love.
This cake captures that timeless quality with its delicate crumb and gentle sweetness.
It is the kind of cake that makes you pause, savor the moment, and maybe even smile a little as you remember something sweet from your past.
Homemade Focus
While bakery cakes are tempting, nothing compares to the freshness and flavor of a homemade Almond Cream Cake.
When you bake it yourself, you control every element — the quality of the butter, the richness of the milk, the pure almond extract.
The frosting alone, whipped to silky perfection, is enough to remind me why homemade always wins.
Every bite tells a story of care, attention to detail, and a genuine love for baking.
Flavor Goal
My goal for this Almond Cream Cake was to create a dessert that is tender, rich, and bursting with true almond flavor — but never overwhelming.
The cake layers are moist and fluffy thanks to carefully whipped egg whites and plenty of real butter.
The frosting needed to be light yet creamy, with a whisper of almond that lingers pleasantly after each bite.
Paired with the crunch of sliced almonds, this cake delivers everything I love about delicate, flavorful desserts.
Ingredient Insights
Egg whites create the lightness and soft texture that define this cake, especially when whipped to stiff peaks.
Salted butter adds richness and depth, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Granulated sugar sweetens both the cake and frosting, while also contributing to the tender crumb.
Cake flour is essential for a fine, soft crumb that melts in the mouth.
Baking powder provides the lift needed for fluffy layers without making the cake dense.
Milk, specifically 2% milkfat, keeps the cake moist and blends beautifully with the almond extract for a smooth flavor.
Almond extract is the signature of this cake, offering a delicate, aromatic touch that sets it apart.
For the frosting, a cooked flour and milk base creates a smooth, whipped texture that is lighter than buttercream but just as rich.
Processed granulated sugar integrates seamlessly into the frosting for a silky finish.
Finally, sliced and whole almonds add texture, visual beauty, and an extra boost of almond flavor.
Essential Equipment
A stand mixer with both a whisk and beater attachment is essential for whipping the egg whites and creaming the butter properly.
Two 8-inch round cake pans create evenly baked, beautiful layers.
A flexible rubber spatula makes folding the egg whites into the batter easy and gentle.
A medium saucepan is necessary for cooking the milk and flour mixture for the frosting.
Wire cooling racks ensure the cake layers cool properly without becoming soggy on the bottom.
List of Ingredients with Measurements
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup egg whites plus 3 tablespoons
- 1 cup salted butter, room temperature (8 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
- 3 cups cake flour, spooned and leveled carefully (345 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (3 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (6 grams)
- 1 cup milk, 2% milkfat (8 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (4 grams)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (83 grams)
- 2 cups 2% milk (16 ounces)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (6 grams)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
- 2 cups salted butter, softened (1 pound)
For Decoration:
- Sliced almonds
- Whole almonds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and cake pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans carefully, tapping out any excess flour.
Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Whip the egg whites
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
This should take about 1-2 minutes at medium-high speed.
Transfer the whipped egg whites to another bowl and refrigerate them until needed.
Step 3: Cream the butter
In the same stand mixer bowl, switch to the beater blade and cream the softened butter.
Beat for about 2 minutes until the butter becomes very pale and fluffy.
This step creates the foundation for a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add the sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed butter.
Beat for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
Step 5: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, and baking powder.
This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Set aside for use shortly.
Step 6: Mix wet ingredients
In another small bowl, combine the milk and almond extract.
Stir until well mixed.
This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the batter.
Step 7: Combine the batter
Add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined each time.
Be careful not to overmix to preserve the tender crumb.
Step 8: Fold in egg whites
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a rubber spatula.
Fold just until no streaks of egg white remain; do not overmix.
This step helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 9: Bake the cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-27 minutes or until the tops bounce back when lightly touched.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the frosting base
In a medium saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk over medium-low heat.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a mashed potato consistency.
This process should take about 12-15 minutes.
Step 11: Cool the frosting base
Remove the pan from the heat and place it in a bowl of ice to cool quickly.
Stir occasionally to speed up the cooling process.
The mixture should reach room temperature before using.
Step 12: Prepare the sugar
If you have a food processor, pulse the granulated sugar for about a minute to create finer granules.
This ensures a smoother, silkier frosting later.
Set aside.
Step 13: Cream butter and sugar
Beat the softened butter and processed sugar together using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
Cream for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and free of graininess.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
Step 14: Complete the frosting
Add the cooled flour-milk mixture to the whipped butter-sugar.
Beat for another 3-5 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream.
Scrape down the bowl often to ensure complete mixing.
Step 15: Assemble the cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 16: Decorate with almonds
Press sliced almonds gently onto the sides of the frosted cake.
Garnish the top with whole almonds for a beautiful finish.
Chill briefly if needed before serving.
Troubleshooting
If your cake layers seem dry, they may have been slightly overbaked — always start checking a few minutes early.
If your frosting seems grainy, it means the sugar was not beaten long enough with the butter.
If the frosting base is too thick, it may have cooked a little too long — add a splash of milk and beat it smooth.
If the cake batter seems too stiff after folding the egg whites, fold even more gently next time to preserve air.
Tips and Variations
Add a few drops of pure vanilla extract along with the almond for a richer, layered flavor.
Toast the sliced almonds before decorating for an extra nutty aroma.
For a festive version, fill the layers with raspberry jam along with the frosting.
Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant look.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve slices of Almond Cream Cake with fresh berries or berry coulis for a burst of color and tartness.
Pair with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of chilled almond milk for a lovely contrast.
This cake makes a perfect centerpiece for bridal showers, Mother’s Day, or elegant afternoon teas.
Offer guests extra sliced almonds on the side for a customizable crunch.
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this almond cream cake contains about 400 to 500 calories depending on the amount of frosting used.
The cake is rich in healthy fats from almonds and butter but still feels light thanks to the whipped texture.
Moderate sugar and careful balancing of flavors make this cake indulgent without being overpowering.
A slice of this cake feels like the perfect sweet treat for special occasions and everyday celebrations alike.
Print
Almond Cream Cake
Description
Bake the perfect Almond Cream Cake with this detailed step-by-step recipe. Soft layers, whipped almond frosting, and sliced almonds create a delicate yet indulgent homemade dessert everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
-
3/4 cup egg whites plus 3 tablespoons
-
1 cup salted butter, room temperature (8 ounces)
-
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 grams)
-
3 cups cake flour, spooned and leveled carefully (345 grams)
-
1/2 teaspoon salt (3 grams)
-
2 teaspoons baking powder (6 grams)
-
1 cup milk, 2% milkfat (8 ounces)
-
1 teaspoon almond extract (4 grams)
For the Frosting:
-
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (83 grams)
-
2 cups 2% milk (16 ounces)
-
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract (6 grams)
-
2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
-
2 cups salted butter, softened (1 pound)
For Decoration:
-
Sliced almonds
-
Whole almonds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the oven and cake pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans carefully, tapping out any excess flour.
Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Whip the egg whites
Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
This should take about 1-2 minutes at medium-high speed.
Transfer the whipped egg whites to another bowl and refrigerate them until needed.
Step 3: Cream the butter
In the same stand mixer bowl, switch to the beater blade and cream the softened butter.
Beat for about 2 minutes until the butter becomes very pale and fluffy.
This step creates the foundation for a tender cake texture.
Step 4: Add the sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the creamed butter.
Beat for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
Step 5: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, salt, and baking powder.
This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Set aside for use shortly.
Step 6: Mix wet ingredients
In another small bowl, combine the milk and almond extract.
Stir until well mixed.
This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the batter.
Step 7: Combine the batter
Add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk mixture.
Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined each time.
Be careful not to overmix to preserve the tender crumb.
Step 8: Fold in egg whites
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a rubber spatula.
Fold just until no streaks of egg white remain; do not overmix.
This step helps keep the cake light and fluffy.
Step 9: Bake the cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake for 25-27 minutes or until the tops bounce back when lightly touched.
Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the frosting base
In a medium saucepan, whisk the flour into the milk over medium-low heat.
Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a mashed potato consistency.
This process should take about 12-15 minutes.
Step 11: Cool the frosting base
Remove the pan from the heat and place it in a bowl of ice to cool quickly.
Stir occasionally to speed up the cooling process.
The mixture should reach room temperature before using.
Step 12: Prepare the sugar
If you have a food processor, pulse the granulated sugar for about a minute to create finer granules.
This ensures a smoother, silkier frosting later.
Set aside.
Step 13: Cream butter and sugar
Beat the softened butter and processed sugar together using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment.
Cream for about 5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and free of graininess.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.
Step 14: Complete the frosting
Add the cooled flour-milk mixture to the whipped butter-sugar.
Beat for another 3-5 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy, resembling whipped cream.
Scrape down the bowl often to ensure complete mixing.
Step 15: Assemble the cake
Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate.
Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Step 16: Decorate with almonds
Press sliced almonds gently onto the sides of the frosted cake.
Garnish the top with whole almonds for a beautiful finish.
Chill briefly if needed before serving.
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Today, I shared with you how to bake a heavenly Almond Cream Cake, layered with silky almond-flavored frosting and topped with sliced almonds.
We explored every step, from whipping egg whites for a light crumb to mastering the cooked flour frosting.
Can this cake be made ahead? Absolutely — bake the layers and store them wrapped in plastic for up to two days before assembling.
Can you freeze the cake? Yes — wrap the layers individually without frosting and freeze for up to two months.
Whether for an elegant event or a special homemade treat, this Almond Cream Cake brings beauty and flavor to any table.
Trust me — once you taste it, you will understand why it has become one of my absolute favorites.