Description
A moist and tender cake featuring warm maple syrup and toasted almonds, layered with a luscious almond cream-cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings, brunch, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1½ cups buttermilk (or thinned yogurt)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups finely chopped or sliced almonds, toasted
- For the almond cream-cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans. Line bottoms with parchment paper if desired.
- Toast chopped or sliced almonds in a small baking tray for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Add buttermilk, oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly among the prepared pans. Sprinkle toasted almonds evenly over each layer.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add almond extract and maple syrup. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the cake: Place one layer on a cake stand and spread with frosting. Repeat with second and third layers. Frost top and sides of the cake.
- Chill for 30 minutes to set the frosting. Optionally, garnish with additional toasted almonds or a drizzle of maple syrup before serving.
Notes
- Use 100% pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- To intensify almond flavor, replace half the flour with almond flour.
- Let the cake sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing for best texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge; bring to room temp before serving.
- Use a warm knife for clean, neat slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
