Are you in search of the perfect dessert to indulge your sweet tooth? Look no further than this heavenly Almond Amaretto Pound Cake recipe! Rich, moist, and bursting with almond flavor, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a decadent treat, this Almond Amaretto Pound Cake is the perfect choice.
Pound cake lovers, rejoice! This Almond Amaretto Pound Cake takes the classic dessert to new heights with the addition of almond extract and amaretto liqueur. The result is a moist and flavorful cake that will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Pound Cake:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 3/4 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 1/4 cup amaretto
For the Amaretto Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
- 1/3 cup half & half
- 3 tablespoons amaretto
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan.
2. Prepare the Buttermilk: In a small bowl, combine the whole milk and white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle, creating homemade buttermilk.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, almond extract, and amaretto liqueur.
6. Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the homemade buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Amaretto Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, Dixie Crystals Light Brown Sugar, Dixie Crystals Extra Fine Granulated Sugar, half & half, and amaretto. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens slightly.
10. Serve: Drizzle the warm amaretto sauce over slices of the cooled pound cake just before serving. Enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations
- Fresh Fruit Topping: Serve slices of Almond Amaretto Pound Cake with fresh berries or sliced peaches for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or toasted almond slices over the top of the cake before baking for added texture and flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add a pop of citrus flavor by incorporating lemon or orange zest into the cake batter.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use store-bought buttermilk instead of making my own? A: Yes, you can substitute store-bought buttermilk for the homemade version. Use an equal amount in the recipe.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze slices of Almond Amaretto Pound Cake for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Q: Can I omit the amaretto liqueur? A: If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can omit the amaretto from both the cake batter and the sauce. Increase the amount of almond extract slightly to enhance the almond flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
For a keto and low-carb version of this recipe, you can try the following substitutions:
- Use almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Replace the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia.
- Omit the amaretto liqueur and replace it with almond extract or a sugar-free amaretto flavoring.
Indulge your senses with the irresistible flavors of this Almond Amaretto Pound Cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a decadent dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With its moist crumb, rich almond flavor, and luscious amaretto sauce, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Give it a try and experience pure bliss in every bite!
