CRANBERRY ALMOND COFFEE CAKE

Cranberry Almond Coffee Cake image

Provided by Cassie *

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 c almond paste
6 Tbsp butter, softened
1/2 c plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
3 eggs
1 - 1/3 c all-purpose flour, divided
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2-1/4 fresh or frozen cranberries
ALMOND PASTE
1 - 1/2 blanched almonds
1 - 1/2 c confectioners' sugar
1 egg white
1 - 1/2 tsp almond extract
1/4 tsp salt

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, cream almond paste, butter and 1/2 cup sugar until fluffy. Add two eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine 1 cup flour and baking powder; add to creamed mixture. Beat in the remaining egg and flour. Stir in extracts. Gently fold in cranberries.
2. Spread evenly into a greased 8-in. square baking dish; sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake at 325° for 30 - 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
3. To make your own almond paste: Place almonds in food processor; cover and process until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, egg white, extract and salt; cover and process until smooth. Divide almond paste into 1/2 cup portions; place in airtight containers, Refrigerate for up to 1 month.