Torta de Marcelo - Spanish Almond Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (200g) ground almonds 2 cups (200g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 22g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the ground almonds, lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
5. 5.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. 6.
   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.
7. 7.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
8. 8.
   Slice and serve the Torta de Marcelo with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for this recipe, as they provide the desired texture and flavor. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra citrusy flavor, you can add a few drops of lemon or orange juice to the batter.
• To enhance the nutty aroma, lightly toast the ground almonds before adding them to the batter.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can increase the amount of ground cinnamon or add a pinch of ground nutmeg.

Serving advice

Serve the Torta de Marcelo at room temperature to fully enjoy its flavors and texture. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

Place a slice of Torta de Marcelo on a dessert plate and dust it generously with powdered sugar. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a twist of citrus zest for an elegant touch.