Introduction
Indulging in a homemade cake is one of life’s simple pleasures, and this delightful cake with a crumb topping promises to be a crowd-pleaser. With the warm flavors of almond and cinnamon, every bite offers rich taste and texture. Perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to afternoon tea, this cake is sure to impress. Follow this easy recipe for a delicious treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Cake:
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 large egg
– ¾ cup whole milk
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
– ½ teaspoon rum extract
For the Crumb Topping:
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ⅔ cup sliced almonds
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 16 tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 5-10 minutes
Yield: Serves 8-10 slices
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a 9-inch round springform pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients for the Cake
In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, ¾ cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of pure almond extract, and ½ teaspoon of rum extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the batter is smooth. Make sure there are no lumps. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared springform pan.
Step 5: Prepare Crumb Topping Dry Mixture
In another bowl, combine 1½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ⅔ cup of sliced almonds, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.
Step 6: Add Butter and Almond Extract
Add 16 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of pure almond extract to the dry mixture for the crumb topping. Mix with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to ensure the mixture is fully moistened and resembles coarse sand.
Step 7: Apply Crumb Topping
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter in the pan, distributing it evenly for a consistent texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown. Test the center of the cake with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan and let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Note 1: Buttering and Flour the Pan
Ensure that the springform pan is well buttered and floured to avoid sticking, which can ruin the cake’s appearance.
Note 2: Checking for Doneness
Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. If the topping browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the cake is done.
Note 3: Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for optimal freshness.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
In this technique, you combine the dry ingredients such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl using a whisk. This helps to aerate the mixture and ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents throughout the flour.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, you whisk together the wet ingredients like egg, milk, melted butter, and extracts until well combined. This helps to create a uniform liquid base for the cake, ensuring that the flavors and textures meld together.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake. The goal is to achieve a smooth batter with some lumps still remaining.
Making Crumb Topping
Combine flour, sugar, sliced almonds, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Then, add melted butter and almond extract, mixing until the texture resembles coarse sand. This creates a crunchy topping that adds flavor and texture to the cake.
Sprinkling Topping
Evenly distribute the crumb topping over the cake batter in the pan. This ensures that every bite of the cake has a delicious layer of crunchy crumb topping.
Baking
Bake the cake in a preheated oven until the crumb topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This technique ensures the cake is thoroughly cooked while achieving the perfect topping color.
Cooling the Cake
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for a period of time before removing the sides to cool completely. This step helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.
FAQ
Can I substitute whole milk with another type of milk?
Yes, you can use alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or other dairy options, but it may affect the flavor and texture of the cake slightly.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute with vanilla extract or omit it altogether if you need a nut-free option.
Can the crumb topping be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crumb topping in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two before using.
How can I check if the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, it needs more time to bake.
What type of pan is best for this cake?
A 9-inch round springform pan is ideal for this recipe as it allows for easy removal of the cake while keeping the crumb topping intact.
Conclusion
This delightful cake, adorned with a rich crumb topping, perfectly balances the sweetness of the sugar and the nuttiness of the almonds, enhanced by the aromatic extracts. It’s an ideal treat for gatherings and can be enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a comforting choice for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Almond Joy Cake
Combine shredded coconut and dark chocolate chips into the cake batter for a delicious twist reminiscent of the popular candy.
Cinnamon Swirl Cake
Add a cinnamon swirl to the cake batter by mixing a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon together before folding it into the mix for an added layer of flavor.
Fruit-Topped Crumb Cake
Top the cake with fresh berries or sliced peaches before adding the crumb topping for a burst of fruity flavor and color.
Lemon Almond Cake
Incorporate lemon zest and fresh lemon juice into the batter to create a bright and refreshing lemon almond cake.
Chocolate Almond Cake
Introduce cocoa powder into the cake batter for a chocolatey variation, pairing beautifully with the almond extract.
Maple Pecan Crumb Cake
Substitute pecans for the sliced almonds in the crumb topping and drizzle maple syrup over the cake before serving for a savory-sweet combination.
