CITRUS-ALMOND POUNDCAKE

Citrus-Almond Poundcake image

This poundcake is richer, moister and more flavorful than any you've tasted, and it's not difficult to make. (Much of it is done in the food processor; do not pulse more than you must.) The consistency and flavor rely on the almond paste in the batter, and a simple soak of lemon juice, orange juice and sugar; the cake acts like a sponge, absorbing the sweetened citrus juice. A word of advice about this or any other Bundt cake: butter and flour the pan well. Even nonstick Bundt pans can be tricky. There's nothing more frustrating than having your cake fall partly out, leaving the pretty top bit clinging to the pan.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories dessert

Time 1h30m

Yield 10 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed, plus more for pan
Flour for pan
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
3 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
7-ounce tube almond paste
7 large eggs
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cake flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour an 8-cup Bundt pan. Put lemon juice, orange juice and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar in a small saucepan over low heat; cook until the sugar dissolves and remove from heat.
Put almond paste and remaining 2 cups sugar in food processor and process until well combined; add butter and continue processing until light and fluffy. With the machine running, add eggs one at a time along with zest and vanilla, and continue to process until smooth.
Stop the machine, add the flour, baking powder and salt, and pulse a few times - just until the dry ingredients are integrated (be careful not to over process, or the cake will become tough). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until golden, about 1 hour and 10 minutes. When a skewer or thin-bladed knife inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven and let cool slightly.
Pour the citrus soak over the cake and let it sit for about 30 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the cake releases from the pan easily. Cut into slices.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 496, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 76 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Sodium 117 milligrams, Sugar 59 grams, TransFat 0 grams