French Almond Rum Cake Recipe

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened, plus more for greasing the pan
• 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 cups superfine blanched almond flour
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup dark rum, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Syrup

• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 2 tablespoons rum, or to taste

Icing and Garnish

• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice, or as needed
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream, or as needed
• 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Generously grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper. Butter the parchment as well.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, salt, and nutmeg with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the almond flour to the mixture and beat for 1 more minute.

Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 3 minutes.

Step 5: Add 1/4 cup rum, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until everything is fully combined.

Step 6: Lower the mixer speed to low. Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder, mixing just until incorporated.

Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top into an even layer.

Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 10: While the cake cools, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is simmering, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 11: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the rum. Return the pan to the heat and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 12: Invert the cake onto a wire rack and remove the parchment paper. While the cake is still warm, brush the warm syrup evenly over it until all of the syrup is absorbed. Allow the cake to cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Step 13: For the icing, whisk together the lemon juice, powdered sugar, pinch of salt, and heavy cream until smooth. If needed, add extra lemon juice or heavy cream to adjust the consistency to a pourable but not too thin texture.

Step 14: Place the cooled cake onto a serving platter. Pour the icing evenly over the cake and smooth it with a spatula or offset knife if needed.

Step 15: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the icing. Let the icing set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 426
• Total Fat: 25g (32% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 9g (47% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 97mg (32% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 258mg (11% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 43g (16% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 32g
• Protein: 8g (15% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 103mg (8% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (9% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 206mg (4% Daily Value)

The French Almond Rum Cake is a rich, aromatic dessert that blends the flavors of almond, lemon, and dark rum in a moist, tender cake. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Gteau Nantais, this cake is a true representation of French pastry craftsmanship. Its delicate balance of sweet, nutty, and slightly boozy flavors makes it a perfect treat for special occasions or as a sophisticated dessert after a hearty meal.

History and Origins

The French Almond Rum Cake traces its roots to Gteau Nantais, a classic French cake from the coastal city of Nantes, located in the western part of France. Known for its distinctive combination of almond flour and rum, this cake has been a beloved dessert for centuries. The original Gteau Nantais was created as a tribute to the famous rum production in the region. As rum became a staple of French desserts, its inclusion in this cake provided a rich, slightly boozy contrast to the subtle sweetness of almond flour. Over time, this cake has evolved, with various adaptations and variations that emphasize different ingredients and preparation methods, but the essence of the original remains unchanged.

Regional Variations

In the region of Nantes, the Gteau Nantais is made with a touch of rum syrup, which infuses the cake with a distinctive rum flavor. However, the French Almond Rum Cake that we enjoy today often incorporates a broader array of flavors, such as lemon zest and vanilla, which help to lighten the richness of the almond flour and rum. Some versions may also use a more generous amount of rum in the cake batter itself, making the cake even more decadent. While the traditional recipe focuses heavily on the rum, many modern versions adjust the amount of alcohol or even replace it with other spirits for a different twist.

Differences from Similar Cakes

What sets the French Almond Rum Cake apart from other rum-based cakes, such as the famous Jamaican Rum Cake or a traditional fruitcake, is its lightness and moist texture. While fruitcakes often have a denser, more robust structure due to the presence of dried fruits and nuts, the French Almond Rum Cake is soft and tender, primarily due to the use of almond flour and minimal flour. Furthermore, the subtle rum syrup added to the cake is unlike the heavy soaking method often used in other rum cakes. The cakes delicate sweetness is also enhanced by the tang of fresh lemon zest, which balances the richness of the almonds and rum.

Where It's Typically Served

The French Almond Rum Cake is often served at special gatherings, such as family celebrations, holiday dinners, and weddings. Its elegant appearance and complex flavor profile make it a showstopper on dessert tables. In France, it may also be found in patisseries, particularly in the western regions close to Nantes, where Gteau Nantais is a local specialty. Outside of France, this cake has gained popularity in various European countries and beyond, often as part of a larger celebration or as a gift for a special occasion. Whether paired with coffee, a glass of dessert wine, or enjoyed on its own, the French Almond Rum Cake makes a statement at any gathering.

Interesting Facts

• The Gteau Nantais is said to be one of the oldest rum cakes in France, dating back to the 19th century.
• Almond flour, a key ingredient in the French Almond Rum Cake, has been a part of French culinary traditions for centuries, especially in the regions of Provence and Nice.
• Rum, which plays a central role in this cake, has a long history in France, particularly in the French Caribbean colonies, where rum production dates back to the 17th century.
• While the cake is typically enjoyed as a dessert, it is also sometimes served as a celebratory gift during the holidays or for birthdays, symbolizing good luck and prosperity in some cultures.

In conclusion, the French Almond Rum Cake is not just a dessertit's a culinary journey that brings together history, regional flavors, and sophisticated techniques. With its elegant texture, delightful almond taste, and a hint of rum, this cake remains a beloved treat that continues to be enjoyed by dessert lovers around the world.

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