French-inspired Almond King Cake

Ingredients

• 2 sheets (400g) puff pastry 2 sheets (400g) puff pastry
• 1 cup (100g) ground almonds 1 cup (100g) ground almonds
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 9g)
• Carbohydrates: 36g (Sugar: 15g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Mix until well combined and creamy.
3. 3.
   Roll out one sheet of puff pastry into a circle, approximately 12 inches in diameter. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
4. 4.
   Spread the almond cream filling evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. 5.
   Brush the edges of the pastry with water. Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and press the edges together to seal.
6. 6.
   Using a sharp knife, create a decorative lattice pattern on top of the cake.
7. 7.
   Brush the top of the cake with the beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for the filling to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
• Puff pastry — If using frozen puff pastry, thaw it according to the package instructions before rolling it out.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a splash of almond liqueur to the almond cream filling.
• Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, sprinkle some sliced almonds and additional powdered sugar on top before baking.
• Accompany the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Slice the Almond King Cake into wedges and serve it as a delightful dessert or a special breakfast treat during the festive season. It pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Present the Almond King Cake on a decorative platter, showcasing its golden crust and lattice pattern. Dust it generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also garnish it with fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color.