Raspberry and almond cake

Raspberry and Almond Cake – A Sweet Delight That Enchants the Senses

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 9

Introduction

What could be more comforting than a warm cake full of delicious aromas and textures? The raspberry and almond cake is a perfect choice for an afternoon snack or a refined dessert at festive meals. This simple and quick recipe combines the sweetness of raspberries with the crunchiness of almonds, offering a remarkable contrast that will delight any palate. Let’s discover together how to prepare this wonder!

Necessary Ingredients

- 300 g raspberry jam (preferably homemade for an authentic taste)
- 70 g ground almonds (you can also use whole almonds and grind them at home)
- 300 g flour (choose a quality flour for a fluffier dough)
- 1 egg (preferably organic)
- 1 egg yolk (for a richer texture)
- 75 ml milk (or a plant-based substitute, if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon (for an extra touch of freshness)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration, optional)

Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy and well-aerated cake. Use a spatula or a fork to mix the ingredients well.

2. Adding the wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the oil, egg, yolk, milk, and lemon zest. The oil will provide moisture, while the lemon zest will add a vibrant flavor.

3. Kneading the dough: Use your hands to knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Do not over-knead, or the cake will become dense.

4. Resting the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step is important as it helps the gluten relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

Preparing the Baking Pan

5. Preparing the tray: Choose a 25x25 cm tray and line it with baking paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking and make it easier to remove from the pan.

Assembling the Cake

6. Rolling out the dough: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to fit the size of the tray. Save a small piece of dough for decoration.

7. Placing in the tray: Transfer the rolled-out dough to the tray, making sure to evenly cover the bottom. Use a fork to prick the dough in several places. This will help prevent puffing during baking.

8. Adding the jam and almonds: Spread the raspberry jam evenly over the surface of the dough. Then, sprinkle the ground almonds on top of the jam for added texture and flavor.

9. Creating the decoration: With the reserved dough, form a lattice to decorate the cake. You can do this by rolling out the dough and cutting it into strips, then placing them in a cross over the jam.

Baking the Cake

10. Preheating the oven: Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C. Make sure it is well heated before placing the cake inside.

11. Baking: Bake the cake for 30 minutes or until it turns golden and is firm to the touch. Check with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

12. Cooling and slicing: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into servings and sprinkle powdered sugar on top for an elegant appearance.

Serving and Delicious Combinations

This raspberry and almond cake can be served plain or alongside vanilla ice cream or warm chocolate sauce. Additionally, a fruit tea or fresh lemonade pairs perfectly with it. If you want to turn it into a decadent dessert, add some pecans or ground hazelnuts to the almond mixture to enhance the flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

Raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which help strengthen the immune system. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, making them a good choice for health. Together, these ingredients make our cake not only a treat but also a healthier option for a snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another jam instead of raspberry? Absolutely! You can experiment with apricot, plum, or even sour cherry jam, depending on your preferences.
- How can I store the cake? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer preservation.
- Can I replace the milk with a vegan substitute? Yes, almond or coconut milk are excellent alternatives to keep the recipe vegan.

Conclusion

The raspberry and almond cake is not just a simple recipe, but also a way to bring joy to the lives of your loved ones. Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this cake will surely win everyone’s heart. Don’t forget to express your creativity by experimenting with ingredients and presentations! Enjoy your meal!