Almond Cake

Adapted from Pure Dessert by Alice Medrich (Clarkson Potter, 2007)
Serves 8

This cake can be served unadorned or topped with softly whipped cream, with or without fruit. Lightly marinated strawberries are especially nice. If you use the optional Amaretto in the recipe and plan to serve it with whipped cream, you might want to flavor the cream lightly with Amaretto and even serve a small glass alongside.

If you're looking for a gluten-free Flourless Almond Cake, it is here.

4 ounces unblanched whole almonds
200g plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, at room temperature
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into chunks and slightly softened, plus 1 generous tablespoon softened butter for the cake pan
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 tablespoon Amaretto, optional (I use Luxardo)
1.5 ounces flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8g xanthan gum

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Butter the sides of an 8-by-2-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper; do not butter the paper.

Place the almonds, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the nuts are finely ground, being careful not to reduce them to flour. Add the eggs, butter, almond extract, and Amaretto, if using, and pulse until completely blended.

Mix the flour, baking powder, and xanthan gum together in a small bowl and add to the food processor. Pulse again, just long enough for the mixture to blend.

Scrape the batter into the pan, spreading evenly. Bake until the top is golden and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 40 minutes. (In my oven, 30 minutes works.)

Cool completely in the pan on a rack. To unmold, slide a thin spatula around the sides, cover the pan with a plate, and invert. Peel off the parchment, then cover with another plate and invert again so the cake is right-side up.

Note: My favorite Parrish Magic Line pans have apparently been discontinued. Their quality was excellent, made in the USA, and available in many sizes. Nordicware plain aluminum pans are a good substitute. Their half sheet pans remain my favorite.