Flourless Almond & Cognac Cake
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Recipe Overview
Overview
This Flourless Almond & Cognac Cake is a delightful treat that showcases the rich flavors of almonds and the warmth of cognac. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The key to achieving a moist and flavorful cake lies in the quality of the ingredients, particularly the ground almonds and the optional bitter almond essence, which elevates the overall taste.
As you prepare the cake, melting the butter slowly is crucial to ensure it blends seamlessly with the other ingredients. The addition of cognac not only adds depth but also a hint of sophistication. If you’re looking to keep it alcohol-free, simply omit the cognac, but be mindful that this may slightly alter the flavor profile.
The texture of the cake is dense yet moist, reminiscent of a traditional French cake. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings or as a comforting dessert after a meal. You can also experiment with toppings, such as a light glaze or fresh berries, to add a personal touch. This cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that can be enjoyed by everyone, especially those with gluten sensitivities.
Overall, this Flourless Almond & Cognac Cake is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a rich, flavorful dessert that is both simple to make and impressive to serve. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of cream, it promises to be a hit at any occasion.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Tip: Use a few drops of bitter almond essence to enhance the almond flavor.
Melt butter in a pan over medium-low heat.
Turn off the heat and let the melted butter cool.
Pass ground almonds through a sieve to remove clumps.
Preheat the oven to 190°C with top and bottom elements on, no fan.
Tip: Baking with conventional heat is easier to control than using a fan.
In a bowl, mix ground almonds and crème fraîche until incorporated.
Add a tablespoon of Cognac to the mixture and mix well.
Add a whole egg and an egg yolk to the mixture, incorporating slowly.
Let the batter rest while preparing the baking dish.
Tip: Use a porcelain or ceramic dish for baking to avoid burning the outside.
Butter the baking dish and optionally coat with sugar.
Tip: Coat the baking dish with sugar to help unmold the cake.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, leaving space for rising.
Tip: Add bitter almond essence at the end to ensure its flavor is prominent.
Bake in the oven for 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the dish.
Tip: Keep an eye on the oven; the cake is done when golden.
Create a glaze with leftover butter, sugar, and Cognac, then apply to the cake.
Serve the cake directly from the dish or unmold it if desired.
Tip: For a lighter cake, beat two egg whites into a meringue and fold into the batter.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Ingredient: Eggs
→ Substitution: Flaxseed Meal + Water
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower Seed Butter
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using bitter almond essence enhances the almond flavor in the cake.
- •Cognac can be substituted with rum or omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- •The cake can be served warm or cold, and pairs well with cream or fresh fruit.
- •Resting the batter before baking allows for better flavor development.
