Portuguese Almond Cake

Ingredients

While the original Greek Amygdalopita is made with a combination of almonds and semolina, the Portuguese Almond Cake focuses solely on the rich flavor of ground almonds. Additionally, the Portuguese version often incorporates citrus zest to enhance the aroma and taste of the cake. The use of powdered sugar as a topping is also a characteristic feature of the Portuguese Almond Cake. We alse have the original recipe for Amygdalopita, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (240g) ground almonds 2 cups (240g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (120g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• Zest of 1 orange or lemon Zest of 1 orange or lemon
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange or lemon juice 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange or lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 24g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. 4.
   Stir in the ground almonds, citrus zest, and orange or lemon juice until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the baking powder and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. 6.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. 7.
   Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
10. 10.
    Slice and serve the Portuguese Almond Cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet accompaniment to your afternoon tea.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Make sure to use finely ground almonds for a smooth texture in the cake batter.
• Citrus zest — Use organic oranges or lemons for the zest to avoid any bitterness from pesticides.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of citrus flavor, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple orange or lemon syrup.
• Serve the Portuguese Almond Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• To enhance the nutty flavor, lightly toast the ground almonds before incorporating them into the batter.
• If you prefer a more intense citrus taste, add a few drops of orange or lemon extract to the batter.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Portuguese Almond Cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Cut it into slices and present it on a dessert plate or cake stand. Dust each slice with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation of the Portuguese Almond Cake, you can garnish it with a few slivered almonds or fresh citrus slices. Place a sprig of mint or a dusting of cocoa powder on the serving plate for an extra pop of color.