This Fluffy Orange Almond Cake is a delightful blend of citrus and nutty flavors, perfect for any occasion. It's light, moist, and topped with crunchy sliced almonds, making it a treat you'll want to bake again and again.
The flour provides the structure for the cake, ensuring it holds together while remaining soft. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender crumb. The rich flavor of unsalted butter makes the cake moist and adds a delicious buttery taste. Almond milk complements the almond flavor and keeps the cake dairy-free for those who need it. Fresh orange juice and orange zest give the cake its bright citrusy notes. Eggs add richness and aid in binding the ingredients together. Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, while baking powder and baking soda ensure the cake rises beautifully. Finally, a touch of salt balances all the flavors.
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice. It also makes a delightful addition to afternoon tea or brunch.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and grease it well to prevent sticking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Now, take a large bowl and cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which contributes to the cake's fluffy texture. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain that airy consistency.
Next, mix in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest. The citrus aroma is quite refreshing at this point and promises a delicious flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the almond milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle.
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top, distributing them evenly to ensure every slice has a bit of crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This slight cooling period helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle. Allow the cake to cool completely on the rack before serving.