French Almond Cake (Namandier)

French almond cake is a simple gluten-free cake made with almond flour, butter, eggs, and sugar for a soft, moist texture and rich almond flavor.

This traditional French almond cake, known as Namandier, is one of the easiest French cakes to make with just a handful of ingredients and no wheat flour.

As a French baker, I've made this recipe many times because it delivers a rich almond flavor, a soft crumb, and a naturally gluten-free texture that stays moist for days.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Authentic French recipe - A classic French almond cake known as Namandier, traditionally made with almond flour instead of wheat flour.
• Naturally gluten-free - No flour needed, just ground almonds for a soft and tender texture.
• Easy and reliable - Only a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time for a cake that's hard to get wrong.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Almond flour: Finely ground almond flour for the best texture and flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and keeps the cake tender.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a light crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the almond flavor.
• Almond extract: Optional but adds a deeper almond taste.
• Sliced almonds: Optional topping for extra texture and decoration.

Baking Tips

• Use fine almond flour: It creates a smoother texture than coarse almond meal.
• Don't overbake: The cake should stay soft and slightly moist in the center.
• Let it cool completely: This helps the texture set properly before slicing.
• Add almond extract sparingly: A little goes a long way.
• Dust with powdered sugar: A simple finishing touch often used on traditional Namandier cakes.

How to Make French Almond Cake

This French almond cake uses a simple batter made with almond flour, butter, eggs, and sugar.

Cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs and almond extract, then mix until light and well combined.

Fold in the almond flour until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.

Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and smooth the surface.

Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top.

Bake for about 30 minutes until golden and set in the center.

Cool completely before removing from the pan and dusting with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh berries: Serve with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
• Whipped cream: Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
• Raspberry compote: A fruity topping that pairs well with the almond flavor.
• Powdered sugar: A simple and classic finishing touch.
• Coffee or tea: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.

Storage

Store the almond cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Almond Cake: Add lemon zest to the batter.
• Orange Blossom Almond Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of orange blossom water.
• Berry Almond Cake: Fold fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter.
• Vanilla Almond Cake: Replace the almond extract with vanilla extract.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is French almond cake?

French almond cake, also known as Namandier, is a traditional flourless cake made primarily with almond flour, butter, sugar, and eggs.

Is French almond cake gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it is made without wheat flour.

Can I use almond meal instead of almond flour?

Yes, but almond flour gives the cake a finer and softer texture.

Can I freeze almond cake?

Yes, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months.

Why is my almond cake dry?

The cake may have been overbaked. Remove it from the oven as soon as the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean.

More Almond Recipes

• Frangipane Cream
• Almond cream filling
• Almond Pear Tart
• Galette des Rois

I hope you’ll love this recipe. If you try it, feel free to leave a comment. Happy baking!

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