Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make? The White Almond Wedding Cake is the perfect choice. Its light, moist texture and subtle almond flavor make it ideal for any special occasion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers impressive results. With delicious white cake layers and creamy almond buttercream frosting, it’s a treat everyone will love. Let’s dive in and make this homemade masterpiece!
For the Cake:
For the Almond Buttercream Frosting:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s always best to start by preheating your oven so it’s at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake. As the oven heats up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper to ensure the cake layers come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. By incorporating the salt and baking powder into the flour before adding the wet ingredients, you’ll ensure an even rise and a light texture for your cake. Set aside the dry ingredients to prepare for the next step.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a light, airy cake texture. The butter should be softened to room temperature, as this will allow it to cream more effectively with the sugar. Beat the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes until it’s smooth and pale, as this will incorporate air into the batter and help it rise properly during baking.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Extracts
Once the butter and sugar mixture is light and fluffy, add the egg whites one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. The egg whites will help the cake rise and add a light, airy texture. After all the egg whites have been incorporated, add the 1 ½ teaspoons of almond extract and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. Mix well to combine and allow the extracts to infuse their lovely flavors into the cake.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the 1 ¼ cups of whole milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this could result in a dense cake. Overmixing can also cause the cake to become tough and lose its light, fluffy texture. When you’re done mixing, the batter should be smooth, and you’ll be ready to move on to the next step.
Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers
To bake the cake, divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops of the batter and ensure it’s evenly distributed. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If you find that the cakes are browning too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while they continue baking. Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. After that, turn the cakes out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Almond Buttercream Frosting
Now that the cake is cooling, it’s time to prepare the almond buttercream frosting. Start by beating 1 cup of softened butter in a large bowl for about 2 minutes until it’s creamy. Gradually add the sifted 4 cups of powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, add the 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream (or milk), 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating on high speed for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a little more cream or milk to adjust the consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired thickness.
Step 8: Assemble the Cake
Once your cake layers are fully cooled and the frosting is ready, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place one cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the almond buttercream frosting over the top of the cake, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula to smooth the frosting and create a polished, professional finish.
Step 9: Decorate and Serve
Finally, decorate the cake with sliced almonds, fresh flowers, or edible pearls to give it an elegant touch. These decorations will enhance the appearance of the cake and make it look even more special. Once decorated, slice the cake and serve it to your friends and family. Enjoy the delightful, moist layers of cake paired with the rich almond buttercream frosting.