Almonds and honey flavor this simple, gluten-free cake (and what a flavor they create together!) Instead of a main course dish or a side, our chefs at 3 And A Half cafe decided it was time to create a healthy go-to dessert that doesn’t derail you from your fitness journey (and we can’t be happier!). Presenting the Flourless Honey-Almond Cake.
Cake:
1½ cups whole almonds, toasted
4 large eggs, at room temperature, separated
½ cup honey1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Iodized Salt 26 oz
Topping:
2 tablespoons honey
¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
Preparation:
Active – 20 m
Ready In – 2 hours
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the paper.
2. Process whole almonds in a food processor or blender until finely ground (you will have about 1¾ cups ground). Beat 4 egg yolks, ½ cup honey, vanilla, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer (or use a paddle attachment on a stand mixer) on medium speed until well combined. Add the ground almonds and beat on low until combined.
3. Beat 4 egg whites in another large bowl with the electric mixer (use clean beaters on a hand-held mixer or the whisk attachment on a stand mixer) on medium speed until very foamy, white and doubled in volume, but not stiff enough to hold peaks, 1 to 2 minutes (depending on the type of mixer). Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the nut mixture until just combined. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan.
4. Bake the cake until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, 25 to 28 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan and gently remove the side ring. Let cool completely.
5. If desired, remove the cake from the pan bottom by gently sliding a large, wide spatula between the cake and the parchment paper. Carefully transfer the cake to a serving platter. To serve, drizzle the top of the cake with honey and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Make Ahead Tip: Store the cooled cake airtight at room temperature for up to 1 day. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with almonds just before serving.
Equipment: 9-inch springform pan, parchment paper
Tip: To toast whole almonds, spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes. To toast sliced almonds, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes.
Note: Eggs must be at room temperature for the proteins to unwind enough to support the cake’s crumb. Either set the eggs out on the counter for 15 minutes or submerge them in their shells in a bowl of lukewarm (not hot) water for 5 minutes before using.