Dreamy Almond Cream Cake: Naturally Sweet & Deliciously Vegan!

Indulge in the ultimate Italian vegan treat with this delightful cake, boasting a luscious and creamy almond center that will captivate your taste buds. Perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to casual get-togethers, this almond cream cake is a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The subtle sweetness of vanilla harmonizes beautifully with the rich, nutty essence of almond cream, creating a symphony of tastes that are both sophisticated and comforting. Each bite is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and Stevia, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence that's as health-conscious as it is delicious.

INGREDIENTS: 

CAKE:

• Vegan Butter (melted): ½ cup

• Stevia: ½ cup (4 oz) – add another half for more sweetness

• Flour: 3 cups

• Baking Powder: 3 teaspoons

• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon

• Almond Milk: 1 ½ cup

• Lemon Juice: Juice of 2 small lemons

• Sea Salt: ½ teaspoon

• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

ALMOND CREAM FILLING:

• Pumpkin Seeds: 1 oz

• Blanched Almonds: 1 cup

• Water: ½ cup (add more as needed)

• Maple Syrup: ½ oz – add another half for more sweetness

DIRECTIONS: 

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready while you mix the batter.

2. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a large bowl, mix together the melted vegan butter and stevia until they are fully combined.
   • Add the almond milk and half of the flour to the bowl. Mix until the mixture is smooth.
   • Add the baking powder, baking soda, lemon juice, sea salt, vanilla extract, and the rest of the flour. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, uniform batter.

3. Bake the Cake:

   • Grease a cake pan (Nonna loves using a 10-inch fluted cake pan, but any cake pan will work).
   • Pour the batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly.
   • Bake the cake at 350°F for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   • Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

Make the Almond Cream Filling:

1. Blend the Ingredients:
   • In a food processor or blender, combine the pumpkin seeds, blanched almonds, water, and maple syrup.
   • Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and easy to spread. If needed, add more water a little at a time to achieve the right consistency.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Slice the Cake:

   • After the cake has cooled completely, carefully slice it horizontally to create two layers, a top and a bottom.

2. Apply the Almond Cream:

   • Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving plate.
   • Generously spread the almond cream over the cut surfaces of both the bottom and top layers to ensure an even coating and good adhesion.

3. Combine and Finish:

   • Carefully place the top layer of the cake over the bottom layer without pressing down too hard, allowing the almond cream to set properly.
   • Drizzle the cake with pure maple syrup to taste.
   • Garnish with blanched almond slivers for an elegant and natural finish.

Enjoy Nonna's Delicious Almond Cream Cake!

Watch Nonna Make the Best Vegan Almond Cream Cake!

Tips to Enhance your Almond Cream Cake Baking Experience:

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the vegan butter and almond milk, are at room temperature before starting. This helps them blend more smoothly and evenly, resulting in a better-textured cake.

2. Gradual Mixing: When adding the flour and liquid ingredients to the batter, do it gradually. Adding them slowly helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother batter.

3. Proper Greasing: Thoroughly grease your cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.

4. Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing it horizontally. This prevents the cake from crumbling or breaking apart.

5. Smooth Almond Cream: When blending the almond cream filling, pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor. This ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and the cream is smooth.

6. Gentle Assembly: When assembling the cake, handle the layers gently to avoid breaking them. Spread the almond cream evenly but don’t press too hard when placing the top layer to maintain the cake’s structure and appearance.
   
   

Did you Know?

The concept of incorporating almonds into desserts has deep roots in Italian culinary traditions. In Italy, almonds are a key ingredient in many beloved sweets, such as amaretti cookies and torrone (nougat). 

Sicily, in particular, is famous for its use of almonds in desserts, thanks to the Arab influence on Sicilian cuisine dating back to the 9th century. By using almonds in Nonna's Almond Cream Cake, you are continuing a rich Italian tradition of celebrating this versatile and flavorful nut in delightful and creative ways!

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