Chinese Almond Cakes

Vegetarian
Chinese Almond Cakes
45 min.
36
91kcal

Suggestions

There is something truly magical about the moment you take your first bite of a freshly baked Chinese Almond Cake, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances rich, buttery notes with the delicate, nutty crunch of blanched almonds. These treats are not only a feast for the senses but also a wonderful surprise for any home baker, as they transform a simple blend of flour, sugar, and butter into sophisticated little pastries that feel like a step up from ordinary cookies. What makes these cakes particularly appealing is their versatility and accessibility; despite their elegant appearance, they require no exotic techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, making them an achievable project for cooking enthusiasts eager to expand their repertoire.

One of the most charming aspects of this recipe is the hidden complexity found within its simplicity. The process begins with creating a shortbread-like dough that, after a brief rest in the refrigerator, yields a texture that is crisp on the outside yet tender and melt-in-your-mouth on the inside. The star of the show, of course, is the almond, which is strategically pressed into the center of each cookie before baking, creating a lovely visual contrast and a burst of flavor that ties the entire dessert together. The light brushing of egg yolk before they go into the oven ensures a beautiful golden hue, promising a professional finish that rivals those found in high-end bakeries.

Perfect for a festive gathering or a quiet afternoon treat, these almond cakes serve thirty-six people, making them ideal for large families or community events. With a modest caloric count of just 91 calories per serving, you can enjoy them guilt-free, savoring the perfect harmony of fat, protein, and carbohydrates that define this classic treat. Whether you are looking to impress guests with your baking skills or simply want to indulge in a comforting, homemade dessert, these Chinese Almond Cakes offer a satisfying experience that is both quick to prepare and incredibly rewarding to eat.

Ingredients

  • teaspoon almond extract 
  • teaspoon double-acting baking powder 
  • 36  blanched almonds and 
  • 0.8 cup butter softened
  •  eggs 
  •  egg yolk 
  • 2.5 cups flour all-purpose sifted
  • 0.3 teaspoon salt 
  • tablespoons water 
  • 0.8 cup sugar white

Equipment

  • bowl
  • baking sheet
  • oven
  • wire rack
  • blender
  • aluminum foil

Directions

  1. Sift flour, sugar, salt and baking powder together in a large bowl. Using pastry blender or knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
  2. Beat the egg together with 2 tablespoons of the water and the almond extract.
  3. Add this to the flour mixture and mix with a fork until dough leaves the sides of the bowl.
  4. On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough until it is smooth. Wrap it in foil or cling-wrap and refrigerate for one hour.
  5. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  6. Form dough into 1 inch balls and place them 3 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Flatten each cookie to about 1/4 inch thick and press an almond into the center of each. Beat egg yolk with 1 tablespoon water and brush on cookies.
  7. Bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Remove to wire rack to cool.

Nutrition Facts

Calories91kcal
Protein6.02%
Fat46.03%
Carbs47.95%

Properties

Glycemic Index
7.97
Glycemic Load
7.73
Inflammation Score
-1
Nutrition Score
1.9008695833061%

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:91.18kcal
4.56%
Fat:4.71g
7.24%
Saturated Fat:2.57g
16.06%
Carbohydrates:11.04g
3.68%
Net Carbohydrates:10.7g
3.89%
Sugar:4.25g
4.72%
Cholesterol:20.11mg
6.7%
Sodium:60.79mg
2.64%
Alcohol:0.04g
100%
Alcohol %:0.22%
100%
Protein:1.38g
2.77%
Selenium:3.7µg
5.29%
Vitamin B1:0.07mg
4.78%
Folate:17.82µg
4.46%
Manganese:0.08mg
3.93%
Vitamin B2:0.06mg
3.57%
Vitamin B3:0.55mg
2.75%
Iron:0.49mg
2.7%
Vitamin A:132.06IU
2.64%
Vitamin E:0.38mg
2.52%
Phosphorus:22.13mg
2.21%
Fiber:0.33g
1.33%
Calcium:12.76mg
1.28%
Magnesium:4.91mg
1.23%
Copper:0.02mg
1.23%
Source:Allrecipes