Oh, my dear friends, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of something sweet baking in the oven to fill your home with warmth and joy. Today, I’m thrilled to share a truly special creation with you: my irresistible Frangipane Cake Recipe! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a beautifully balanced bake with a tender, nutty almond filling nestled within a soft, buttery cake, crowned with fresh strawberries and sliced almonds. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat. Ready in about 75 minutes, it’s easier than it looks, and I promise it will bring a smile to your face.

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Frangipane Cake Recipe

This Frangipane Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

What Exactly Is Frangipane?

Frangipane is a delightful almond cream, a true baker’s secret weapon! It’s made primarily from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and eggs, often flavored with a touch of vanilla or almond extract. Originating in Italy and popularized in French patisserie, it bakes up into a moist, slightly dense filling with an intoxicating nutty aroma. You’ll often find it as a filling for tarts, pastries, and, of course, delicious cakes like this one! Its characteristic texture and rich flavor make it truly unique.

Ground Almonds, Almond Paste, Marzipan: What’s the Difference?

Understanding almond products can be a little confusing, but don’t worry, I’m here to clear it up!

Ground Almonds (also known as almond meal or almond flour) are simply blanched almonds that have been finely ground. They have a fine, powdery texture and are what we use generously in this Frangipane Cake Recipe to create that wonderful nutty base.

Almond Paste is a mixture of ground almonds and sugar, often with a binder like egg whites, forming a stiffer, malleable paste. It’s sweeter and denser than ground almonds and is used for fillings or shaping, but not typically as the main component of frangipane.

Marzipan is even sweeter and smoother than almond paste, with a much higher sugar content. It’s often used for decorative purposes, molded into shapes, or rolled out as a cake covering. While all three are almond-based, their textures and uses are quite distinct!

Sarah

The Ultimate Frangipane Cake Recipe

This irresistible Frangipane Cake features a beautifully balanced bake with a tender, nutty almond filling nestled within a soft, buttery cake, crowned with fresh strawberries and sliced almonds. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French

Calories: 493

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Frangipane Filling:

• 1/2 cup butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract or a few drops of almond essence
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/4 cup ground almonds
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cake Batter:

• 1/2 cup butter room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup ground almonds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 tbsp sour cream

For the Topping and Garnish:

• 5 oz fresh strawberries cut into quarters
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds

Equipment

• 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowls
• electric mixer
• spatula
• measuring cups and spoons
• cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 325F (165C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) pan with parchment paper.
2. Cut the fresh strawberries into quarters and set aside.

Prepare the Frangipane Filling:

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts, then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Gently fold in the ground almonds, flour, and salt until just combined. Set this gorgeous filling aside.

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. In a separate large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix!

Assemble the Cake:

1. Pour about two-thirds of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Dollop the frangipane filling over the cake batter, then gently spread it out, leaving a small border around the edges.
3. Arrange the quartered strawberries evenly over the frangipane layer. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the strawberries, gently spreading it to cover them.
4. Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top of the cake.

Bake:

1. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
2. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.

Notes

For best results, ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature and avoid overmixing the cake batter. This recipe is adaptable; consider using raspberries, sliced pears, orange zest, cardamom, or white chocolate chips for variations. Store the cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for 4-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. If the cake is dry, it may be overbaked or overmixed. If frangipane separates, ingredients might be too cold. A sinking center suggests underbaking, and uneven browning might be due to oven temperature or pan placement.

Essential Tools for Your Frangipane Cake Adventure

Having the right tools makes all the difference for a joyful baking experience. You’ll need an 8-inch (20cm) round cake pan to get that perfect shape, and parchment paper to line it for easy release. Grab some mixing bowls for both the frangipane and the cake batter. An electric mixer (either stand or hand-held) will make creaming butter and sugar a breeze. Don’t forget a spatula for scraping down bowls, and accurate measuring cups and spoons. Finally, a cooling rack is crucial for your cake to cool properly.

Ingredients for Your Delightful Frangipane Cake Recipe

Gather these simple ingredients, and let’s create some magic!

For the Frangipane Filling:

• 1/2 cup (113g) butter, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5g) almond extract, or a few drops of almond essence
• 2 eggs
• 1 ¼ cup (125g) ground almonds
• 2 tbsp (20g) flour
• 1/4 tsp (1g) salt

For the Cake Batter:

• 1/2 cup (110g) butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp (5g) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) flour
• 1/2 cup (50g) ground almonds
• 1 tsp (4g) baking powder
• 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
• 3 tbsp (45g) sour cream

For the Topping and Garnish:

• 5 oz (150g) fresh strawberries, cut into quarters
• 2 tbsp (20g) sliced almonds

How to Bake Your Perfect Frangipane Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This Frangipane Cake Recipe comes together beautifully with these clear steps.

1. Preheat the oven to 325F (165C). Grease and line an 8-inch (20cm) pan with parchment paper.
2. Cut the fresh strawberries into quarters and set aside.
3. Prepare the Frangipane Filling: In a medium bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts, then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gently fold in the ground almonds, flour, and salt until just combined. Set this gorgeous filling aside.
4. Prepare the Cake Batter: In a separate large bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Assemble the Cake: Pour about two-thirds of the cake batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Dollop the frangipane filling over the cake batter, then gently spread it out, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. Arrange the quartered strawberries evenly over the frangipane layer. Carefully spoon the remaining cake batter over the strawberries, gently spreading it to cover them.
8. Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top of the cake.
9. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto the rack to cool completely.

My Top Tips for Frangipane Cake Success

Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful Frangipane Cake Recipe is easy with these helpful pointers! Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; this helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and a more tender crumb. When mixing the cake batter, be mindful not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added; mixing too much can develop the gluten, leading to a tough cake. The frangipane is perfectly baked when it’s puffed, golden, and set. And remember, preheating your oven correctly ensures an even bake from the start!

Delicious Variations for Your Frangipane Cake

This Frangipane Cake Recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to experiment with different desserts depending on the season. Raspberries or sliced pears (canned, well-drained) are fantastic choices instead of strawberries. For a citrusy twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to both the frangipane and the cake batter. A sprinkle of cardamom or even a handful of white chocolate chips can also elevate the flavor profile. You could even bake this as individual mini tarts for a charming presentation!

Common Ingredient Substitutions (and When to Use Them!)

Storing and Freezing Your Frangipane Cake

To keep your delicious Frangipane Cake Recipe fresh, store it at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered tightly. If you prefer, or if it’s warm in your kitchen, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before enjoying.

Troubleshooting Common Frangipane Cake Issues

Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly on your first try; even experienced bakers have their moments! If your cake seems dry, you might have overbaked it or overmixed the batter. Keep an eye on the baking time and rely on the skewer test. If the frangipane separates during mixing, your butter or eggs might have been too cold; ensure they are at room temperature.

A cake that sinks in the middle often indicates underbaking, so extend the baking time until the skewer comes out clean. If the top doesn’t brown, your oven might not be hot enough, or your pan is too low; try moving it up a rack.

Frequently Asked Questions About Frangipane Cake

Let’s Bake and Share! Your Frangipane Cake Awaits!

There you have it, my friends! A delightful, comforting, and utterly delicious Frangipane Cake Recipe that I know you’re going to love. Baking this cake fills my kitchen with the happiest aromas, and I truly hope it brings that same joy into your home. Don’t be shy; grab those ingredients and let’s get baking! I would absolutely love to hear about your experience.

Leave a comment below, ask any questions, or better yet, share your beautiful creations on social media using #TheMealCraftFrangipane. Happy baking!