This Almond Butter Cake is a delightful treat that combines a rich, buttery dough with a sweet almond topping. The dough is prepared quickly in the microwave, making it a convenient choice for when you want a delicious homemade cake without the wait. With a golden, crispy top and a tender crumb, it’s perfect for any occasion. Pair it with a hot coffee drink for a comforting snack or dessert.
Preparation Time:
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including leavening and baking time)
Ingredients:
- Dough:
- 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) milk
- 25 g (0.9 oz) sugar
- 4 g (0.14 oz) yeast
- 20 ml (0.7 fl oz) melted butter
- 1 egg
- 10 g (0.35 oz) vanilla sugar
- 250 g (8.8 oz) flour
- Topping:
- 150 g (5.3 oz) butter
- 50 g (1.76 oz) almond flakes
- 80 g (2.82 oz) sugar
- Optional Coffee Mixture:
- 20 ml hot water
- 10 g instant coffee
- 10 g sugar
- 300 ml hot milk
Directions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a bowl, combine 4 g yeast, 10 g vanilla sugar, 25 g sugar, 20 ml melted butter, and 100 ml milk.
- Add 1 egg and 250 g flour to the mixture.
- Mix until a dough forms.
- Microwave the Dough:
- Place the dough in a microwave-safe bag.
- Put the bag with the dough into the microwave oven.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
- First Leavening:
- Let the dough leaven for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Tray:
- Grease a baking tray (25 cm x 15 cm) with 20 g of soft butter.
- Second Leavening:
- Place the dough in the greased baking tray.
- Let it leaven for another 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a saucepan, melt 150 g butter.
- Add 80 g sugar and 50 g almond flakes to the melted butter.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Pour the butter, sugar, and almond mixture over the leavened dough.
- Bake in the oven for 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional Coffee Mixture:
- In a cup, mix 20 ml hot water, 10 g instant coffee, and 10 g sugar.
- Add 300 ml hot milk to the mixture for a delicious drink to accompany your pastry.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Add a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Pair with fresh fruit for a complete dessert.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the butter for the topping is well melted for a smooth mixture.
- For a crispier topping, bake a few minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- If the dough feels too sticky, add a bit more flour as needed.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Provides a good source of energy from carbohydrates and fats.
- Almonds offer healthy fats and vitamin E.
- The cake is rich in flavor and satisfying with each bite.
Dietary Information:
- Contains Dairy: Not suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
- Contains Gluten: Includes flour, making it unsuitable for gluten sensitivity.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 370
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Calcium: 80mg
- Iron: 2mg
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick Preparation: Uses the microwave for fast dough preparation.
- Rich and Buttery: Features a deliciously rich and buttery topping.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with common pantry ingredients for easy assembly.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with coffee or tea and can be enjoyed any time of day.
Conclusion:
This Almond Butter Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the rich flavors of butter and almonds with a tender cake base. It’s a perfect choice for a quick homemade dessert or a comforting snack with a warm beverage. The use of the microwave for dough preparation makes this recipe convenient, while the golden almond topping adds a touch of elegance. Enjoy this cake fresh out of the oven or at room temperature for a deliciously satisfying experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?
- Yes, you can substitute almond flakes with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
- Yes, any non-dairy milk, like almond or soy milk, can be used.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
- What can I use instead of vanilla sugar?
- You can use regular granulated sugar and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Can I make this recipe without using a microwave?
- Yes, you can let the dough rise naturally in a warm place for about 1 hour instead of microwaving.
- How do I know when the cake is done baking?
- The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Can I freeze this cake?
- Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
- Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the sugar to taste, but it may affect the texture and sweetness of the cake.
- What if I don’t have a 25 cm x 15 cm baking tray?
- You can use a slightly larger or smaller tray; just adjust the baking time as needed.
- Can I add fruit to this cake?
- Yes, you can add fresh or dried fruit to the dough for added flavor. Just fold it in gently before baking.