If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, this Chocolate Almond Cake will quickly become your go-to recipe. Combining the deep, intense flavors of chocolate with the nutty richness of almonds, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. The result is a moist, flavorful cake with a delightful texture and a touch of sophistication. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is designed to be straightforward and achievable, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Ingredients for Chocolate Almond Cake
- For the Cake:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
- 1/4 cup (60ml) boiling water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (60g) finely chopped almonds (optional, for added texture)
- For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For Garnish:
- Whole or sliced almonds
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries (optional)
How to Make Chocolate Almond Cake
- Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake later. - Prepare the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. - Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. - Incorporate Boiling Water:
Stir in the boiling water. This will help to loosen the batter, making it smoother and more pourable. The batter will be quite thin, but this is normal. - Fold in Almonds (Optional):
If using, fold in the finely chopped almonds for added texture. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. - Prepare the Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the cocoa powder, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until light and fluffy. - Frost the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting over the top and sides using a spatula. For a more polished look, you can use a cake decorating tool to create swirls or other designs. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the frosted cake with whole or sliced almonds and, if desired, fresh raspberries or strawberries. Slice and serve to enjoy a rich and delightful chocolate almond treat.
About the Main Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: These sugars provide sweetness and moisture to the cake. Granulated sugar helps in creating a tender crumb, while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used to give the cake a rich flavor and tender texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier creaming with the sugars.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent and help the cake rise. They also contribute to the cake’s structure and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour and Almond Flour: The combination of all-purpose flour and almond flour gives the cake its structure and a slightly nutty flavor. Almond flour also adds a moist crumb and richness.
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is essential for giving the cake its rich chocolate flavor. It also contributes to the dark color of the cake.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Milk: Whole milk adds moisture to the batter and helps to balance the dry ingredients.
- Boiling Water: The addition of boiling water helps to create a smoother batter and enhances the cocoa powder’s flavor, leading to a more intense chocolate taste.
- Almonds: Finely chopped almonds can be mixed into the batter for added texture and a deeper almond flavor. They also make a great garnish.
- Powdered Sugar and Cocoa Powder for Frosting: These ingredients create a smooth, chocolatey frosting that complements the cake’s rich flavors. Heavy cream adds creaminess, while vanilla extract enhances the overall taste.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this decadent Chocolate Almond Cake, a delightful treat that combines the best of chocolate and almonds in every bite.
