Description
This White Almond Wedding Cake features light, fluffy layers of almond-infused white cake paired with a rich, creamy almond buttercream frosting. Perfect for weddings or special occasions, this elegant cake boasts a delicate almond flavor enhanced by vanilla and is finished with a smooth, luscious frosting that’s easy to make and beautifully decorative.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1½ tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups whole milk, room temperature
For the Almond Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a light and airy cake texture.
- Add Egg Whites and Extracts: Add the egg whites one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the almond and vanilla extracts until combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake Layers: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack and let cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Almond Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add heavy cream (or milk), almond extract, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of almond buttercream frosting over the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides with remaining buttercream, smoothing with an offset spatula for a polished finish.
- Decorate and Serve: Decorate the cake with sliced almonds, fresh flowers, or edible pearls for an elegant presentation. Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For an even whiter cake, use clear vanilla extract instead of regular vanilla.
- To make a four-layer cake, double the ingredients and bake in four 9-inch pans.
- Increase almond extract up to 2 teaspoons if you prefer a stronger almond flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-5 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- For extra moist cake layers, brush with simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled until dissolved) before frosting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the best emulsification and lighter cake texture.
- Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if needed; however, the flavor will be different.
- Egg whites only are used to keep the cake light; substituting whole eggs will change the texture and color, making it denser and less white.
- To make gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: white almond wedding cake, almond cake, wedding cake recipe, almond buttercream frosting, white cake, elegant cake recipe
