This delightful flourless almond cake is rich, moist, and naturally gluten-free. It combines the nutty flavor of almond meal with the tartness of fresh raspberries, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups almond meal (finely ground almonds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional for chocolate flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- For the raspberry sauce:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond meal, sugar, cocoa powder (if using), baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be set, and the center should be slightly firm.
- Make the Raspberry Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until the raspberries break down and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add it to the pan, stirring until thickened.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the cake and serve with warm raspberry sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Enjoy!
This flourless almond cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it an elegant dessert for any gathering!