Yeast dough cake with almond flakes

Yeast Dough Cake Recipe with Almond Flakes

Who doesn't love a fluffy, fragrant cake with a crunchy texture? The yeast dough cake with almond flakes is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it's a gathering with friends or a special dessert for family. This recipe perfectly combines sweetness with the intense flavor of almonds and a hint of citrus, bringing a smile to anyone who tastes it. Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Rising time: 45-50 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 500 g flour (preferably type 650 for a fluffier dough)
- 2 teaspoons dry yeast (or 30 g fresh yeast)
- 100 g margarine or butter (soft, at room temperature)
- 75 g sugar (divided into two portions)
- Zest of one lemon and one orange
- 1 teaspoon cardamom (for an exotic flavor)
- 1 egg (for added richness)
- 250 ml lukewarm milk

For the topping:
- 100 g soft butter
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 25-30 g almond flakes

Instructions

1. Preparing the yeast: Start by activating the yeast. In a glass, combine the yeast with 3-4 teaspoons of sugar (from the 75 g) and 150 ml of lukewarm milk. Cover the glass with a towel and let it sit for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes frothy. This is an essential step, as the activated yeast will help the dough rise.

2. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, sift the flour and mix it with the margarine or butter, rubbing them with your fingers until the mixture resembles fine crumbs, with no visible pieces of fat.

3. Combining the ingredients: Add the eggs, activated yeast, lemon and orange zest, cardamom, and the remaining milk. Mix all the ingredients well until a uniform dough forms.

4. Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for about 10 minutes. If it sticks to your hands, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so the dough doesn't become too dry. The dough should become elastic and smooth.

5. Letting the dough rise: Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 45-50 minutes. The dough should double in volume.

6. Preparing the baking pan: Grease a 38 cm diameter pan with butter or margarine, then dust it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.

7. Shaping the dough: After the dough has risen, transfer it to the pan. Stretch it with your fingers to fit the shape of the pan, ensuring it is even. Use your thumb to make indentations in the dough, which will be filled later.

8. Adding the topping: In each indentation, place a piece of soft butter. Then, sprinkle the granulated sugar and almond flakes on top. These will provide a crunchy texture and delicious flavor.

9. Preheating the oven: Before placing the cake in the oven, prepare a tray with cold water on the shelf below. This steam will help melt the sugar and maintain moisture in the oven, resulting in a perfect cake.

10. Baking: Preheat the oven to medium heat (about 180°C) and let the cake rise for 25 minutes. Then, place the tray in the oven and bake for 50 minutes. Check the cake occasionally; if you notice that the sugar on top is starting to caramelize too quickly, you can lower the oven temperature.

11. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut it into pieces about 5x5 cm.

Suggestions and variations

- Flavorings: You can experiment with different flavors by adding vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough.
- Dried fruits: Add some raisins or dried cranberries to the dough for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Serving: This cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or coffee. It's ideal for a brunch or a gathering with friends.

Nutritional information

This cake can have approximately 250 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used and the size of the servings. The flour provides essential carbohydrates, while the almonds add protein and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use fresh yeast instead of dry yeast? Yes, you can use 30 g of fresh yeast. Just make sure to activate it in the same way.
- How can I tell if the cake is baked? Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the cake to enjoy later. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it up.

This yeast dough cake with almond flakes is more than just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. Try it and let your creativity shine!