Almond Flour Vanilla Cake

Name: Almond Flour Vanilla Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Treat Creations

I absolutely love baking with almond flour, and this Almond Flour Vanilla Cake has become a personal favorite. It’s moist, fluffy, and has a delightful nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla. The texture is wonderfully tender, making it my go-to dessert for any occasion. Plus, it’s gluten-free, so it’s perfect for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions. In just under an hour, I can whip up this delicious cake that everyone raves about, making it a special treat that never disappoints.

Created by

Olivia

Last updated on 2026-02-09T16:53:27.358Z

Baking this cake has been a delightful journey for me. I experimented with different recipes and found that almond flour not only adds a unique taste but also gives the cake a moist quality that regular flour lacks. The trick I learned is to use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and a fluffy texture.

One of my favorite moments was when I served this cake at a family gathering, and it quickly disappeared. Everyone loved the subtle sweetness and the fragrant vanilla aroma. It’s become a tradition for special occasions, and I relish every moment spent baking it.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and fluffy cake with a wonderful almond flavor
Gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy
Quick to prepare and bake, perfect for any gathering

Understanding Almond Flour

Almond flour is a versatile ingredient that not only provides a gluten-free option but also contributes a unique flavor and moist texture to baked goods. It has a finer consistency compared to traditional flour, which helps in retaining moisture and creating a tender crumb in your Almond Flour Vanilla Cake. When measuring almond flour, it's important to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife, as packing can lead to using too much flour, resulting in a denser cake.

In this recipe, the natural fat content of almond flour aids in producing a rich flavor profile and a moist cake. Plus, its nutritional benefits—packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E—make it a more wholesome choice than typical all-purpose flour. This nutritional value is especially beneficial for those looking to enjoy treats without compromising their dietary goals.

Perfecting Your Cake Texture

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be cautious not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture rather than the light and fluffy cake you desire. Stir just until you see the last streaks of almond flour disappear. This ensures the gluten (from the eggs) is not overdeveloped, maintaining the delicate nature of the cake.

Also, keeping an eye on your baking time is crucial. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the edges are browning too quickly but the center isn’t done, you can cover the cake loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while baking.

Frosting and Serving Suggestions

While frosting is optional for this cake, adding a cream cheese frosting can elevate the taste and provide a delightful contrast to the nutty flavor. When preparing the frosting, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the easiest blending. If you'd like to keep it lighter, you can reduce the powdered sugar to taste or substitute with a sugar alternative to maintain a lower sugar content.

For presentation, consider garnishing your cake with sliced almonds or fresh berries, which not only add beauty but also provide a fresh flavor contrast. If you're planning to make this cake ahead of time, it stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze the un-frosted cake for up to a month. Just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups almond flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil or unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Frosting (optional)

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients well until smooth.

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.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine almond flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil (or butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Frost

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla for frosting, and spread on the cooled cake.

Serve it at room temperature for the best flavor.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, add lemon zest or almond extract. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for alternatives to honey or maple syrup, agave nectar can work as a suitable substitute and will maintain the cake's moisture. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile may shift slightly, as agave is milder than both honey and maple syrup. For a lower-calorie option, consider using a sugar-free syrup designed for baking, ensuring it can withstand the heat without breaking down.

For those with dairy restrictions, you can swap out the cream cheese in the frosting for a vegan cream cheese or even coconut whipped cream for a lighter topping. Just remember that coconut cream may impart a coconut flavor to the frosting, which could pair nicely with the almond undertones of the cake.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake turns out denser than expected, it may be due to the moisture levels. Be sure you're measuring the almond flour correctly and avoid packing it into the measuring cup. Additionally, ensuring your eggs are at room temperature can help improve the cake's rise and overall texture. Warm eggs incorporate better into batters, allowing for more air to be folded in.

Sometimes, cakes can sink in the middle after baking. This could be a result of opening the oven door too early, which causes a drop in temperature. Wait until the middle of the baking time to peek inside. Also, be aware of overbeating; once the batter is combined, give it a gentle stir rather than whisking aggressively, to prevent too much air from being incorporated.

Serving and Enjoying

This Almond Flour Vanilla Cake is delightful on its own, but serving it with a side of fresh fruit adds an extra layer of freshness. Sliced strawberries or a simple berry compote pairs harmoniously, enhancing the natural almond flavor. For coffee lovers, a slice of this cake with a cup of freshly brewed coffee makes for a perfect afternoon treat.

To turn this cake into a celebration piece, consider layering it with your favorite jam or curd in between the cake layers if you decide to bake two. A lemon curd, for instance, can complement the almond flavor beautifully while adding a zing. This will also keep the cake moist and give it an added depth of flavor that your guests will rave about.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option.

→ Is almond flour the same as regular flour?

No, almond flour is gluten-free and has a different texture and flavor. It absorbs moisture differently.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.