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Winter Wonderland Vanilla-Almond Cake


Description

A stunning cake filled with warm vanilla and almond flavors, topped with festive coconut frosting, perfect for holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (45 g) sweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for garnish
  • Zest of 1 orange (optional, for brightness)
  • For Frosting:
  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 34 tbsp milk or cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (45 g) sweetened shredded coconut, toasted lightly (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line with parchment.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Add vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest if using.
  5. With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with buttermilk in two additions. Mix until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and smooth the top. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake 30–35 minutes for a 9-inch pan (20–25 minutes for 8-inch rounds) or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. For frosting, beat butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla and salt, then milk/cream until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Frost the cooled cake and add decorations such as almonds and coconut for garnish.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid opening the oven early.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
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