This Almond Sheet Cake is a soft, buttery, and moist dessert infused with the delicate flavor of almond extract. Topped with a smooth and creamy almond icing, this cake is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or simply indulging in a sweet treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Fluffy Texture – Thanks to sour cream, this cake stays soft and tender.
- Simple and Easy to Make – No complex techniques, just mix, bake, and ice!
- Rich Almond Flavor – A delightful twist on a classic vanilla sheet cake.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings.
- Easy to Customize – Add nuts, fruit, or a chocolate drizzle for variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cake:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
For the Almond Icing:
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Heat the Butter and Water – In a saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Combine Wet and Dry – Pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients – Stir in sour cream, eggs, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
- Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before icing.
Step 2: Prepare the Almond Icing
- Melt Butter – In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in milk and bring just to a gentle simmer.
- Mix in Sugar and Almond Extract – Remove from heat and whisk in powdered sugar and almond extract until smooth.
- Ice the Cake – Pour the warm icing over the slightly cooled cake, spreading evenly. Allow to set before slicing.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Crunch – Sprinkle toasted slivered almonds on top of the icing.
- Lemon-Almond Cake – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the icing for added richness.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Double Almond – Add chopped almonds into the batter for an extra almond punch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing – Freeze the un-iced cake in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and ice before serving.
- Reheating – Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.
FAQs
Can I use vanilla extract instead of almond extract?
Yes, but the cake will have a different flavor. Almond extract gives it its signature taste.
Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What type of flour works best?
All-purpose flour works great, but for a lighter texture, you can use cake flour.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and ice it before serving.
How do I prevent the icing from being too thick?
If the icing is too thick, add a tablespoon of warm milk and whisk until smooth.
Can I add fruit to this cake?
Yes! Fresh berries or sliced peaches pair beautifully with almond flavor.
What’s the best way to cut this cake?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices for neat servings.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is recommended for the best flavor, but margarine can be used as a substitute.
Can I add food coloring to the icing?
Yes! A drop of pink or blue food coloring can add a fun visual touch.
What pairs well with this cake?
A cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements this cake beautifully.
Conclusion
This Almond Sheet Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s sure to impress. With its soft, buttery texture and rich almond flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy a slice of sweet, nutty perfection!
Print
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Almond Sheet Cake is soft, buttery, and topped with a luscious almond icing! A perfect crowd-pleasing dessert, this easy one-pan cake is rich, moist, and bursting with almond flavor. Great for parties, potlucks, or any occasion where you need a simple yet delicious treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp almond extract
For the Almond Icing:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
Instructions
1. Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, bring butter and water to a boil. Remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Pour the hot butter mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream, eggs, and almond extract until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Make the Almond Icing:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Stir in milk and powdered sugar, whisking until smooth.
- Remove from heat and mix in almond extract.
3. Frost & Serve:
- Pour the warm icing over the warm cake, spreading evenly.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy instead of dense.
- Pour the icing while the cake is warm to help it absorb and create a smooth finish.
- Top with sliced almonds for added crunch and extra almond flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American