Ingredients
For the Almond Cake:
– 2 and 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted (315 grams)
– 3 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 and 1/2 cups (298 grams) granulated sugar
– 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 teaspoons almond extract
– 3/4 cup (170 grams) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2/3 cup (152 grams) sour cream, at room temperature
For the White Chocolate Amaretto Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 and 1/2 cups (283g/10 ounces) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
– 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons amaretto liqueur
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 6 ounces (170g) quality white chocolate, melted and cooled for 10 minutes
Assembly and Garnish:
– 1 cup raspberry preserves
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 cup thinly sliced almonds
Instructions
For the Almond Cake:
– Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Generously grease the bottom and sides of two 9-inch round cake pans; line with parchment paper rounds and set aside until needed.
– In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
– In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
– Gradually add in the sugar. Once all of the sugar has been added, beat on high speed for 2 minutes.
– Reduce the speed to low and add in the egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition, and scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
– In a spouted measuring cup, combine the vanilla extract, almond extract, milk, and sour cream.
– Mix until evenly combined.
– On low speed, add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating it with the liquid milk/sour creamy mixture, beginning and ending with the flour, and mixing until just combined.
– Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
– Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until lightly brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans places on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then invert the cake layers onto cooling racks and cool completely.
For the White Chocolate Amaretto Buttercream Frosting:
– In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large bowl using a handheld electric mixer, beat the butter on medium-speed until completely smooth. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add in the confectioners’ sugar, beating until all of the sugar is completely combined.
– Add in the salt, cream, and amaretto, and almond extract and beat smooth.
– Add in the white chocolate and beat smooth. Once all of the ingredients have been incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for a minute.
Assembly and Garnish:
– Using a long, serrated knife, slice each cake in half horizontally, so that you have 4 even layers.
– Place one cake layer on a large plate or cake stand. Spread 1/2 cup of the frosting on top of the cake, covering it completely, then spread a 1/4 cup of raspberry preserves on top of the frosting.
– Top with another cake layer, and repeat the layering process, ending with the last cake layer on top. Spread all remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
– Using your hands, gently press the sliced almonds all around the sides of the cake. Then top with fresh raspberries!
– Allow the cake to set for 20 minutes before slicing. Then serve, or store, in the refrigerator, for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before serving!