Marmora Cake with Almonds

This delightful marble cake with almonds is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a delightful treat for cake lovers. It features a soft and moist base with swirls of rich cocoa and creamy chocolate, topped with a crunch of roasted almonds, creating a beautiful presentation and a delectable taste. The preparation is straightforward, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether served at a casual brunch or dressed up for a dinner party, this cake is versatile and sure to impress. The play of vanilla and chocolate flavors, enhanced with nutty almonds, brings a unique and delicious experience to your palate. Baking this cake fills your home with an inviting aroma that whets your appetite. The reward of slicing into this marbled delight is a visual treat as well, revealing the intricate swirl of chocolate within. An intricate yet approachable recipe that turns out perfectly every time, this cake serves as an ideal centerpiece on any dessert table. Simple ingredients come together in a beautiful and flavorful creation that resonates with warmth and sweetness.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 150 g soft butter or margarine
• 150 g flour
• 80 g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• A pinch of salt

Chocolate and Almond Mixture:

• 70 g chocolate
• 30 g almonds
• 1 tsp cocoa
• 1 tbsp chocolate cream

Preparation Time

• Total time: 2 hours, including prep and baking.

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and grease a cake pan to prepare for the batter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the soft butter or margarine, sugar, vanilla sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.
3. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Slowly add the flour combined with the baking powder, mixing until smooth and no lumps remain.
5. Once the batter is smooth, divide it into two equal parts.
6. In one portion, add the cocoa powder, chocolate cream, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir until the mixture is fully integrated.
7. Pour the plain batter into the prepared cake pan, followed by the chocolate batter. Use a fork to swirl the two batters together gently, creating a marbled effect.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. Check with a toothpick to ensure the cake is done.
9. After baking, allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan and then let it cool completely on a wire rack.
10. In a dry pan, roast the almonds until they release their aroma and become golden. Coarsely chop them and set aside.
11. Melt the chocolate in a bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
12. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cake, allowing it to cover the top.
13. Sprinkle the roasted almonds over the melted chocolate, pressing slightly so they adhere as the chocolate cools.
14. Let the topping set before slicing and serving your beautiful cake.

Tips

• Substitution: You can replace butter with margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Technique: Use a clipboard to swirl the marbled cake to get the most appealing patterns.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Nutritions

• Calories: ~320 per slice
• Protein: 4g
• Fats: 16g
• Carbs: 40g

Variations

• For a nut-free version, exclude the almonds and use white chocolate for drizzling.
• Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Serve with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for an enhanced treat.

Best Places

• Café Central - A historic café known for its impressive dessert selection. Location: Herrengasse 14, Vienna, Austria.
• Café de la Paix - Offers a range of patisserie delights. Location: 5 Place de l'Opéra, Paris, France.
• Magnolia Bakery - Famous for its classic baked goods. Location: 401 Bleecker Street, New York, USA.
• Pasticceria Marchesi - Renowned for glamour and high-quality pastries. Location: 20121 Via Monte Napoleone, Milan, Italy.
• The Ritz Café - Tradition and taste combined beautifully. Location: 150 Piccadilly, London, England.
• Bakerbots Baking - Offers inventive takes on classic bakes. Location: 205 Delaware Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
• Rischart's Backhaus - Known for traditional German bakes. Location: Marienplatz 18, Munich, Germany.
• Kovan Cake Shop - Offers elegant pastries in a charming setting. Location: 12 Kovan Road, Singapore.
• Florentin Bakery - Known for its contemporary flair in classic recipes. Location: 209-211 Carlisle Street, Melbourne, Australia.
• Cukiernia Sowa - Combines innovation with tradition in their delightful offerings. Location: ul. Mostowa 5, Warsaw, Poland.