Spanish Almond Cake Laced with Tequila Anejo
Submitted by Big Jake
A dense, buttery Spanish-style almond cake spiked with tequila añejo, orange and lemon zest, and freshly grated nutmeg. Dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant holiday dessert.
YIELD
1 cakePREP
20 minCOOK
45 minREADY
1 hrsWhere Spain meets Mexico in the most gorgeous way possible.
This dense, golden almond cake gets its soul from finely ground almonds folded into a butter-rich batter, then a splash of tequila añejo brings warmth and complexity that you just can’t get from vanilla alone.
Orange zest, lemon zest, and freshly grated nutmeg round out the flavor with a citrusy, aromatic edge. A dusting of powdered sugar and more nutmeg on top makes it look like it belongs on a holiday dessert table.
Pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of aged sherry.
Pro Tips
- Grind the almonds until fine but stop before they turn to butter. A few pulses at a time in the food processor gives you the best texture.
- Use quality tequila añejo here. You’ll taste it in every bite, so don’t reach for the bottom shelf.
- Cream the butter and sugar until very light and fluffy, at least 4 to 5 minutes. This is what gives the cake its lift.
- The cake firms up as it cools, so don’t overbake. Pull it when the tester just barely comes out clean.
Ingredients
Directions
Finely grind all almonds.
Set 2 tablespoons ground nuts aside.
Mix remaining nuts with flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar with an electric mixer.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well, blend in the almond extract, tequila, citrus zests and ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg.
Mix in almond/flour mixture untll incorporated.
Spread batter into a 9 ½×2-inch pan (or a springform pan) that has been buttered and dusted with flour.
Sprinkle with remainlng ground almonds.
Place in preheated 325-degree oven on the middle rack and bake until tester comes out clean (about 40 to 45 minutes).
Cool 10 minutes; remove from pan by inverting on a platter.
Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and freshly grated nutmeg; garnish.
Serve with a tasty coffee drink or eggnog.
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