Sublime Vanilla Almond Cake

Name: Sublime Vanilla Almond Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 cup milk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; Powdered sugar for dusting; Sliced almonds for garnish

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

I absolutely love baking this Sublime Vanilla Almond Cake. The combination of rich vanilla and nutty almond flavors creates a delightful taste explosion that’s hard to resist! Whenever I need a sweet treat for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home, this cake is my go-to. What’s more, the texture is delightfully moist and fluffy, making it perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:54:29.060Z

When I first baked this Sublime Vanilla Almond Cake, I was amazed by how the flavors mingled so beautifully. The almond extract paired with high-quality vanilla makes each bite a little slice of heaven. I discovered that using room temperature ingredients contributes to a fluffier texture, so it's a little tip I swear by!

Each time I serve this cake, it disappears quickly, and family and friends are always asking for the recipe. It's so versatile that you can serve it plain, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzled with chocolate ganache. The happiness it brings is unbeatable!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich almond flavor that complements the vanilla perfectly
Perfectly moist texture that melts in your mouth
Great for any occasion, from casual to celebratory

Understanding Your Ingredients

In baking, the quality of ingredients can significantly affect the final outcome of your cake. For the Sublime Vanilla Almond Cake, I recommend using pure vanilla extract and almond extract for a more authentic flavor. Synthetic versions may suffice in a pinch, but they won't deliver the same depth that natural extracts provide. Look for brands that emphasize high-quality sources to truly enhance your cake's flavor profile.

Unsalted butter is crucial for this recipe because it allows you to control the salt content better than using salted butter. This small tweak ensures that the sweet and nutty flavors of the cake shine through without any overpowering saltiness. Also, make sure your butter is at room temperature for smoother mixing; it should yield slightly to the touch but not feel melted.

Baking and Cooling Tips

When baking your cake, keep an eye on the time but also consider using a toothpick test to ensure it's baked through. A properly baked cake should spring back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out without wet batter. If it's not done, return it to the oven for five-minute intervals to prevent a dry cake.

After baking, cooling the cake properly is key to maintaining its moistness. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, which helps to set the structure and make it easier to remove. For the best texture, once transferred to a wire rack, let it cool completely before slicing. This can take an additional 30-45 minutes, during which the flavors will continue to develop.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Topping (optional)

Powdered sugar for dusting
Sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, and mix until smooth.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with sliced almonds if desired.

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of almond liqueur to the batter. It elevates the cake even more!

Making Ahead and Storage

This cake is great for preparing ahead of time. If you'd like to bake it a day or two in advance, simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature and dust with powdered sugar for a fresh touch. If you plan to freeze it, slice the cake into portions, wrap each slice well in plastic wrap and foil, and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. To refresh the cake further, consider briefly warming a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will restore some of its original moisture and create a lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.

Serving Suggestions

For an added touch, serve your Sublime Vanilla Almond Cake with a side of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the almond and vanilla flavor beautifully and adds another layer of indulgence. You could also serve it with fresh berries for a fruity contrast that brightens up each bite.

If you're looking to elevate the presentation further, consider creating a simple glaze using powdered sugar and milk, drizzling it over the top of the cooled cake. To add a bit of flair, grate some chocolate on top or sprinkle with extra sliced almonds, which will make for an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?

While almond flour can be used, it will significantly change the texture and structure of the cake. It's best to stick with all-purpose flour for this recipe.

→ How should I store the cake?

You can store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, this cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!