Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake Recipe
Indulge in the legendary flavors of Peter's Bakery Burnt Almond Cake with our easy-to-follow recipe. Recreate this iconic dessert at home today!
- Publisher: Recipe Volt
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 450 calories
Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake
Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake is an iconic dessert that has captivated the hearts and taste buds of San Jose, California, residents since 1936. This beloved bakery, nestled in the heart of the city, has gained legendary status for its delectable burnt almond cake, drawing locals and visitors alike through its doors.
The cake itself is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. At its core lies a moist and tender yellow cake infused with the subtle essence of almond extract, adding depth and richness to each bite. What sets this cake apart, however, is its crowning glory: a generous layer of buttercream frosting adorned with a generous scattering of toasted almonds.
The name "burnt almond" might give the impression of a charred or overly toasted flavor, but in reality, it's a delicate balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The almonds are carefully toasted to golden perfection, imparting a satisfying crunch and a hint of caramelization that elevates the cake to new heights of indulgence.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee as a morning treat or savored after a hearty meal, Peters' Bakery Burnt Almond Cake is a true delight for the senses. Its timeless appeal and nostalgic charm serve as a reminder of the rich culinary heritage of San Jose and the enduring legacy of a local institution that continues to bring joy to generations of dessert lovers.
Recipe
Discover the irresistible allure of Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake! Dive into this iconic dessert's rich history and learn how to recreate its tantalizing flavors at home.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1 1/2 cups buttercream frosting (homemade or store-bought)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Method Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Stir in the almond extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, spread the sliced almonds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, spread the buttercream frosting evenly over the top of the cake.
- Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the frosting, covering the entire top of the cake.
- If desired, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving. Slice and enjoy your homemade Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake!
Recipe Video
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Recipe Tags: Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake, Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake Recipe, Recipe
Servings
To serve Peters' Bakery Burnt Almond Cake, follow these steps:
- Slice the Cake: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake into individual portions. Aim for even slices to ensure everyone gets a perfect piece.
- Garnish (if desired): If you want to add an extra touch of elegance, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted almonds on top.
- Serve on Dessert Plates: Place each slice of cake on a dessert plate for easy serving. Make sure the plates are clean and presentable.
- Accompaniments (optional): While the cake is delicious on its own, you can enhance the experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. These additions complement the flavors of the cake beautifully.
- Serve with Beverages: Offer a selection of beverages to accompany the cake, such as coffee, tea, or milk. These options provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake and enhance the overall dining experience.
Tips
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality ingredients can make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of your cake. Opt for fresh eggs, real butter, and good-quality almond extract for the best results.
- Properly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for dry and wet ingredients to ensure precision.
- Don't Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter can result in a dense and tough cake. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid overworking it.
- Ensure Even Baking: To ensure that your cake bakes evenly, make sure your oven is preheated properly before you put the cake in. Also, rotate the cake halfway through the baking time to promote even browning.
- Cool the Cake Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it. This prevents the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake and helps the flavors develop fully.
- Toast the Almonds Carefully: Keep a close eye on the almonds while toasting them to prevent burning. Stir them occasionally and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Get Creative with Frosting: While the traditional recipe calls for buttercream frosting, feel free to experiment with different frostings to suit your taste preferences. Cream cheese frosting or whipped cream can be delicious alternatives.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
- Serve with Love: Lastly, enjoy the process of making this special cake and share it with loved ones. Food made with love always tastes better!
Ingredient Substitutes
I have some ingredient substitutes you can use for Peters Bakery Burnt Almond Cake:
- Yellow Cake Mix: If you don't have yellow cake mix on hand or prefer to make the cake from scratch, you can substitute it with homemade yellow cake batter. Simply combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, eggs, milk, and almond extract to make the batter.
- Almond Extract: If you're out of almond extract, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute. While it won't have the same almond flavor, it will still add a delicious aroma and depth of flavor to the cake.
- Buttercream Frosting: If you prefer a different type of frosting or don't have buttercream frosting available, you can substitute it with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache. Just make sure the frosting complements the flavors of the cake.
- Sliced Almonds: Instead of sliced almonds, you can use slivered almonds or chopped almonds for the topping. You can also experiment with other types of nuts such as pecans or walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: If you're lactose intolerant or prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk.
- Granulated Sugar: You can substitute granulated sugar with other sweeteners such as brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may vary, so adjust according to your taste preferences.
- Flour: If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the label to ensure it's suitable for baking.
- Eggs: If you're vegan or allergic to eggs, you can substitute each egg in the recipe with a flaxseed or chia seed "egg" (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to gel). Commercial egg replacers are also available and can be used according to package instructions.
Remarks
Get ready to impress with your homemade Peter's Bakery Burnt Almond Cake. Share the love and nostalgia of this classic dessert with friends and family today!