Name: Almond Snowflake Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-489159H49M44S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature; 1½ cups sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1¾ cups flour; 1½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ⅓ cup almonds, finely ground; ¾ cup whole milk; ⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar, for dusting

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The Almond Snowflake Cake is a light, tender, and fragrant dessert that celebrates the delicate flavor of almonds. With a moist crumb, subtle hints of vanilla, and a dusting of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow, this cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for the holidays, special gatherings, or simply as a comforting homemade treat, it’s an elegant cake that requires just a handful of ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful snowy look with simple powdered sugar topping
Moist and tender with rich almond flavor
Easy to make with pantry staples
Perfect for holiday entertaining or everyday baking
Elegant presentation without complicated decoration

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1½ cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¾ cups flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup almonds, finely ground
¾ cup whole milk
⅓ cup confectioner’s sugar, for dusting

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan.
Grind almonds in a food processor if not already finely ground.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in almond extract and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix just until incorporated.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with confectioner’s sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 to 10 slices
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Add a citrus twist with lemon or orange zest in the batter.
Swap ground almonds for hazelnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Drizzle with a light almond glaze instead of powdered sugar.
Bake in a bundt pan for a more festive presentation.
Fold in fresh berries or dried cranberries for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Freeze whole or sliced cake, tightly wrapped, for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Refresh slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of grinding whole almonds?

Yes, almond flour works as a substitute for ground almonds in this recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day in advance and store covered. Dust with sugar just before serving.

What type of pan works best?

A bundt pan or decorative cake pan enhances the snowflake look, but a standard round or square pan also works.

Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?

Whole milk provides a richer texture, but skim or 2% milk can be substituted.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to grease and flour the pan thoroughly, especially if using a decorative mold.

Can I add frosting instead of powdered sugar?

Yes, a light almond glaze or cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in two pans or one large bundt pan, adjusting baking time as needed.

Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely—it’s simple yet elegant, making it perfect for holidays, birthdays, or tea parties.

Conclusion

The Almond Snowflake Cake is a timeless dessert that combines simplicity with elegance. With its moist crumb, nutty almond flavor, and delicate snowy finish, it’s a cake that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Whether for the holidays or an everyday treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Maggie