Toucinho do Céu - Portuguese Almond Cake

Recipe

Toucinho do Céu - Portuguese Almond Cake

Heavenly Delights: A Portuguese Almond Cake to Savor

4.7 out of 5

Indulge in the rich flavors of Portugal with Toucinho do Céu, a traditional almond cake that will transport you to the sunny streets of Lisbon. This heavenly dessert showcases the country's love for almonds and its unique culinary heritage.

Jan Dec
Dessert› Cake› Toucinho do céu
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Portuguese cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

40-45 minutes

Total time

1 hour and 5 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free baking powder), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free margarine for greasing)

Allergens

Tree nuts (almonds), Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Paleo

Ingredients

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
  • Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 2g)
  • Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 25g)
  • Protein: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan.
  2. 2.
    In a large bowl, whisk together the ground almonds and granulated sugar.
  3. 3.
    In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and water, and mix well.
  4. 4.
    Gradually pour the egg mixture into the almond mixture, stirring until well combined.
  5. 5.
    Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
  6. 6.
    Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. 7.
    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.
  8. 8.
    Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
  9. 9.
    Cut into squares or slices and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Almonds — Make sure to use finely ground almonds for a smooth texture in the cake batter.
  • Lemon zest — Use organic lemons for the best flavor and avoid grating the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • To enhance the almond flavor, lightly toast the ground almonds before incorporating them into the batter.
  • If you prefer a more citrusy taste, add a bit more lemon zest or a splash of orange blossom water to the batter.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Toucinho do Céu at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors and texture. Cut it into small squares or slices and present it on a decorative platter for an elegant touch.

Presentation advice

Dust the top of the cake generously with powdered sugar to create an enticing contrast against its golden color. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few slivered almonds for an attractive presentation.

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