Best Almond Polenta Pound Cake Recipes

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ALMOND POLENTA POUND CAKE



Almond Polenta Pound Cake image

This versatile cake is made even better by the addition of toppings like our Caramelized Pineapple, Warm Chocolate Sauce, or Lemon Curd.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes     Cake Recipes

Yield Makes one 8-by-4-inch loaf

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
1 cup cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for pan
1/3 cup almond paste
2/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 teaspoon pure almond extract
2/3 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs, room temperature, separated
1/2 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lower third. Butter an 8-by-4-inch loaf pan; dust with flour, tapping out excess. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cut almond paste into 2/3 cup sugar with two forks until it resembles coarse meal. Add the butter; using the paddle attachment, beat until soft and light, about 4 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together extracts, cream, and egg yolks. With mixer on medium, gradually add cream mixture to butter mixture. In a small bowl, stir together flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Sift half the flour mixture over butter mixture, and fold to combine. Fold in remaining flour mixture.
  • In another mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar on medium speed until stiff peaks form, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold into batter.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. If top begins to brown too much, cover loosely with foil. Let cool before serving.

ALMOND-POLENTA POUND CAKE



Almond-Polenta Pound Cake image

Yield Makes one 4 x 8-inch loaf

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the pan
1 cup cake flour (not self-rising), plus more for the pan
1/3 cup almond paste (3 1/4 ounces)
2/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/3 teaspoon pure almond extract
2/3 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs, room temperature, separated
1/2 cup coarse cornmeal (polenta)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F with a rack in the lower third. Butter an 8 × 9 4-inch loaf pan; dust with flour, and tap out excess. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cut the almond paste into 2/3 cup sugar with 2 forks until it resembles coarse meal. Add the butter; using the paddle attachment, beat until soft and light, about 4 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the extracts, cream, and egg yolks. With the mixer on medium, gradually add the cream mixture to the butter mixture. In a small bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Sift half the flour mixture over the butter mixture, and fold to combine. Fold in the remaining flour mixture.
  • In another mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar on medium speed to stiff peaks, 2 to 3 minutes. Fold into the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 1 hour. If the top begins to brown too much, cover loosely with foil. Let cool before serving.

Almond polenta pound cake is a dessert that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its unique texture and delicious flavor. This moist and dense cake is typically made with a combination of almond flour, polenta, and traditional cake ingredients such as sugar, butter, and eggs. The result is a cake that is tender, flavorful, and packed with a nutty flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

The ingredients used in almond polenta pound cake recipe can vary from recipe to recipe, but the following are some of the most common ingredients used to make this delicious dessert:
Almond Flour:
Almond flour is a key ingredient in almond polenta pound cake recipe. This flour is made by grinding blanched almonds into a fine powder. It adds flavor and density to the cake, making it moist and satisfying.
Polenta:
Polenta is a coarse cornmeal that is used in many Italian dishes. In almond polenta pound cake, it adds a unique texture to the cake that is both dense and crumbly.
Butter:
Butter is used to add richness to the cake, along with providing moisture to the cake to prevent it from drying out.
Eggs:
Eggs are the binding agents in this recipe that hold the cake together. They also help to give the cake structure and texture.

Preparation Steps

The preparation steps for almond polenta pound cake are relatively simple and straightforward, although the cooking times can vary depending on the recipe. Here are some general steps to follow:
Step 1: Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, polenta, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
Step 3: Add the wet ingredients:
In another mixing bowl, add the eggs and butter. Mix well. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.
Step 4: Bake:
Grease a cake pan and pour the batter into it. Spread it evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for around 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool:
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan. Once cooled, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations

Almond polenta pound cake recipe is very versatile, and you can experiment with various additions to the recipe to create new flavors. Here are some variations that you can try:
Lemon and Poppy Seeds:
Add some lemon juice, zest, and poppy seeds to the cake's batter to create a tangy and delicious flavor combination.
Chocolate Chips:
Fold chocolate chips or chunks into the batter before baking the cake. The result is a rich, nutty flavor mixed with gooey chocolate.
Berries or Fruits:
Add some berries or fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or chopped peaches, pears, or apples into the batter before baking to add a burst of fruity flavor.
Coconut:
Add some shredded coconut to the cake's batter to create a tropical and nutty flavor.

Serving and Storing

Almond polenta pound cake can be served warm or cold, depending on your preferences. It goes perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it fresher for longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Almond polenta pound cake is a delicious dessert that is easy to make and packed with flavor. By following the basic recipe and experimenting with different variations, you can create a dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a sweet treat to serve at a dinner party or a delicious snack to enjoy on your own, almond polenta pound cake is sure to impress.
Almond polenta pound cake is a perfect dessert for those who love the combination of nutty and sweet flavors. The recipe is an excellent alternative to ordinary pound cake, with the cornmeal adding a unique texture and taste to the cake. To make a perfect almond polenta pound cake, there are some valuable tips that you must keep in mind. These tips will help you create a tasty and moist cake that your family and friends will love. In this article, we will provide you with some of the valuable tips that you should know when making an almond polenta pound cake. Tip 1: Use the Right Type of Polenta One of the essential tips to make a perfect almond polenta pound cake is to use the right kind of polenta. There are different types of polenta available in the market, such as instant polenta and regular polenta. Instant polenta cooks quickly and is easy to prepare, but it can result in a gummy texture when used in baking. On the other hand, regular polenta needs to be cooked for a longer time, and it has a coarser texture, making it perfect for baking. Therefore, it is recommended that you use regular polenta when making an almond polenta pound cake. Tip 2: Use Almond Flour Almond flour is an excellent ingredient to use when making almond polenta pound cake. Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and moistness to the cake. Moreover, it is gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance. To ensure that your cake is moist and flavorful, use almond flour instead of regular flour. Tip 3: Use High-Quality Almonds Almonds are the key ingredient in making almond polenta pound cake. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality almonds to get the best possible flavor. Using fresher almonds will enhance the nutty taste in your cake. Moreover, to get a crunchy texture, toast the almonds before adding them to the cake batter. Tip 4: Add a Binding Agent Since almond polenta pound cake does not have gluten, it requires a binding agent to hold the cake together. Eggs are an excellent binding agent to use in almond polenta cake. They provide moisture, hold the cake together, and add flavor to the cake. The recommended ratio is two to three eggs for every one cup of flour. Tip 5: Use the Right Sweeteners Sugar is the primary sweetener used in almond polenta pound cake. However, you can substitute the sugar with honey, maple syrup or agave nectar, depending on your preference. However, you need to adjust the recipe accordingly since the sweetness of honey, maple syrup, and agave nectar differs from sugar. Tip 6: Do Not Overmix the Batter When making almond polenta pound cake, it is essential not to overmix the batter. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense and tough cake. The reason is that overmixing activates the gluten, which can result in a dense and heavy cake. Therefore, mix the dry and wet ingredients until they are just combined. Tip 7: Use the Right Pan The pan you use to bake your almond polenta pound cake will determine its shape and texture. It is recommended that you use a non-stick loaf pan to bake your cake. A non-stick pan will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove once it's done. Moreover, using a loaf pan will give the cake its traditional pound cake shape. Tip 8: Do Not Open the Oven When baking an almond polenta pound cake, ensure that you do not open the oven while it is baking. Opening the oven will change the temperature, which can cause the cake to sink in the middle or crack on top. Therefore, be patient and let the cake bake for the recommended time before checking if it's done. Tip 9: Allow the Cake to Cool Completely Once the cake is done, allow it to cool down before slicing it. Almond polenta pound cake is delicate and requires some time to cool down and set before slicing. This will prevent the cake from breaking apart or crumbling when you slice it. Tip 10: Dust with Powdered Sugar Finally, when the cake is cooled, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top. This will add a sweet touch to the cake and make it look more appealing. Be creative and use stencils or cutouts to create patterns on the cake. Conclusion In conclusion, making a perfect almond polenta pound cake requires some tips and tricks. Using high-quality ingredients, the right pan, and not overmixing the batter are some of the valuable tips to keep in mind. By following these tips, you can create a delicious, moist, and flavorful almond polenta pound cake that your family and friends will love. So, why not try making an almond polenta pound cake today and impress your loved ones with this unique and flavorful dessert.

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