If you love almond desserts with a rich aroma and soft texture, this Amaretto Cake is a perfect choice. Made with ground nuts, crushed amaretti cookies, and smooth amaretto liqueur, this cake delivers a moist crumb and deep almond flavor. This homemade Amaretto Cake recipe is ideal for holidays, special gatherings, or anyone searching for an easy style almond cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup ground almonds
- 1/2 cup ground hazelnuts
- 1/2 cup chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk or plain yogurt (if needed)
- 7 ounces amaretti cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, ground almonds, ground hazelnuts, chopped almonds, chopped hazelnuts, and lemon zest. Mix well.
- In another bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Slowly whisk in the melted butter (make sure it is not hot). Add vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. If the batter seems too thick, add 2–4 tablespoons milk or yogurt to loosen it slightly.
- In a separate bowl, mix crushed amaretti cookies with amaretto liqueur until moistened.
- Pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the amaretti and liqueur mixture evenly over the batter.
- Cover with the remaining batter and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.
- Bake for about 40–50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.
Baking Tips
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled slightly before mixing with eggs.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- For extra almond flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
