Almond-Scented White Cake

Pap and I love to sit in our sun room and watch the birds. Especially on a beautiful winter afternoon in the south. Today the sky is blue and cloudless. And the temperature is in the low 50's. With super weather like that, it's hard to believe they are calling for snow in Atlanta...... again.

So like any good southern, before the first snowflake even falls from the sky, you prepare for worst case scenario. For most, milk and bread is mandatory. And then there is me, a baker, and addicted blogger. I'm the only one in the whole grocery store with unsalted butter, flour, eggs, and heavy whipping cream filling my shopping cart. Hey... if I'm going to be snowed in for a whole afternoon, I'm going to be eating something yummy. Like this recipe I saw on William-Sonoma's website. Mmmmmm... the almond flavored white cake lured me immediately. 

Ingredients for Cake:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. almond extract
1 cup milk
5 egg whites, at room temperature
3/4 cup raspberry preserves, melted
Raspberries (optional)
1 1/4 cups sliced almonds, lightly toasted and cooled

Ingredients for the cream cheese frosting:
1 lb. cream cheese, at room temperature
6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp. almond extract

Directions:
Position a rack in the middle of an oven and preheat to 350ºF. Butter and flour 2 round cake pans each 9 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches deep.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat the butter until light. Gradually add the sugar, beating until well blended. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts. Reduce the speed to low and, dividing the flour mixture into 3 batches, beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture alternately with the milk just until combined.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer fitted with clean, dry beaters and set on high speed, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the beaten whites into the batter just until incorporated. Divide the batter between the prepared pans; smooth with the spatula.

Bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Transfer to racks and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a sharp knife around the pan sides to loosen the cakes. Invert onto racks and let cool completely.

Meanwhile, make the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Using an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat until smooth. Reduce the speed to low, add the confectioners' sugar and again beat until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts until well blended.

Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake in half horizontally. Place 1 layer on a plate. Spread 1/2 cup of the frosting over the top, then drizzle on 1/4 cup of the melted preserves. Top with another cake layer and repeat with the same amounts of frosting and preserves. Top with a third cake layer and again repeat with the same amounts of frosting and preserves. Top with the fourth cake layer, cut side down.

Spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides. Ring the top with raspberries, if using, and press the toasted almonds onto the sides.

Serve immediately, or cover with a cake dome and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Makes one 9-inch cake; serves 10 to 12.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Kitchen Library Series, Cakes, Cupcakes & Cheesecakes, by Sarah Tenaglia (Time-Life Books, 1995).