bakekrazy

Several years ago I inherited a bundt pan from my mother-in-law after she passed away. The pan which is marked Nordic Ware is made of thick aluminum and has the typical bundt shape. The definition of a Bundt cake is a cake that is baked in a Bundt pan, shaping it into a distinctive doughnut shape. The shape is inspired by a traditional European cake known as Gugelhupf, but Bundt cakes are not generally associated with any single recipe. Actually November 15 is national Bundt Cake Day. If you like almonds here is a simple Almond Bundt Cake recipe.

Ingredients: (Cake Batter)
1 cup softened unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup ground almonds
1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping:
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cup powered sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 cup toasted almonds

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour your bundt pan (use shortening) spread the 1 cup of sliced almonds on a 1/2 sheet tray and place in the oven while it is pre-heating to toast.

Mix together in a medium bowl the flour, baking powder, salt and ground almonds. set aside. In a stand mixer add the sugar and butter, mix at a medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time then add in the extracts. Beat in the flour mixture and milk alternately until incorporated. Place into the bundt pan evenly.

Remove the toasted almonds from the oven, they should look slightly brown and smell toasted. set aside. Bake the Bundt cake for approximately 60 to 65 minutes until a toothpick comes out cleanly when inserted. Allow to cool for 12 minutes then invert onto a cooling rack. For the topping add the milk, sugar and extract together to form a smooth consistency (you may need to add more milk). Add in the toasted almonds. Spread over a slightly warm cake.

Enjoy
Chef Brian Klauss