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## **Instructions for Making Soft Almond Cake with Grated Almonds**
### **Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. Grease and flour a **9-inch round cake pan** or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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### **Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Set this mixture aside for later use.
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### **Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
4. In a large bowl, cream together the **softened butter** and **granulated sugar** using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat the mixture on medium speed for about **3-4 minutes**, or until it becomes light and fluffy.
5. Add the **eggs**, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the **almond extract** for a lovely nutty aroma.
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### **Step 4: Add the Grated Almonds**
6. Stir in the **grated almonds** until they are evenly incorporated into the batter. The grated almonds will add moisture and a wonderful nutty flavor to the cake.
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### **Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
7. Gradually add the **dry ingredients** to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the **milk**. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined – be careful not to overmix the batter.
8. The batter should be smooth, with a slightly thick consistency.
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### **Step 6: Bake the Cake**
9. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
10. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake should feel firm to the touch.
11. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about **10 minutes** before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
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### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
12. Once the cake has cooled, dust the top lightly with **powdered sugar** for a beautiful finish.
13. Slice and serve the cake on its own or pair it with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a handful of **fresh berries** for an extra touch of elegance.
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## **Serving Suggestions**
– **With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar** – For a simple yet elegant finish, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving.
– **Whipped Cream or Ice Cream** – Serve the cake with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** to add richness and balance the nutty flavor.
– **Fresh Fruit** – Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, complement the almond flavor perfectly.
– **Glazed or Frosted** – For an extra indulgent touch, consider glazing the cake with a simple **almond glaze** (powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract) or top it with a **cream cheese frosting** for a richer dessert.
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## **Tips and Variations**
– **Almond Flour** – If you want to make this cake even more almond-rich, consider replacing part of the all-purpose flour with **almond flour**. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser.
– **Add a Twist of Citrus** – For a hint of freshness, add a teaspoon of **lemon zest** or **orange zest** to the batter. The citrus will brighten up the almond flavor beautifully.
– **Use Almond Meal** – If you have **almond meal** on hand, it can also be used in place of grated almonds. It will create a slightly different texture but still bring that delicious almond flavor.
– **Top with Toasted Almonds** – For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle **slivered almonds** on top of the cake before baking, or toast them lightly and sprinkle over the finished cake.
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## **Final Thoughts**
This **Soft Almond Cake with Grated Almonds** is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the rich, buttery flavor of almonds. The cake is light, moist, and filled with a delightful nutty essence, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a special gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to impress.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few basic ingredients, so you can whip it up without a lot of fuss. If you’ve never tried baking with grated almonds, this recipe will surely convince you of their magic in creating a soft, flavorful cake. Enjoy every bite! 🍰🌰
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