Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add almond extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Beat until just combined.
5. Stir in the slivered almonds.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely before frosting.
8. To make the ganache, place the chocolate chips in a medium bowl. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil. Pour the cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
9. Spread the ganache over the cooled cake and let set before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 441
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 6g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with almond flour or gluten-free flour.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
- Butter can be substituted with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk or coconut milk.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with coconut cream.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter.
- Substitute the ganache with a cream cheese frosting.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Let the ganache set before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Presentation Ideas:
Garnish the cake with fresh berries or chopped nuts.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate shavings
Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Make sure the cake is cooled completely before frosting.
- Make sure the ganache is set before serving.
Food Safety Advice:
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat the cake in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Food History:
Almond cake is a traditional dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East and has since spread to many other parts of the world.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a sweet and nutty flavor with hints of almond and chocolate.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the cake with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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