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Portuguese Toucinho do Céu Almond Cake

This rich and soft almond cake features a delightful blend of flavors, making it a perfect dessert for family gatherings or special occasions.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Portuguese
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons pork lard Can be substituted with ghee or unsalted butter
  • 1 3/4 cups blanched (skinless) ground almonds Use fresh almonds for best flavor
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter At room temperature, plus extra for greasing the pan
  • 5 large egg yolks
  • 2 large whole eggs
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract or amaretto Amaretto is for adults 21+, use extract for family version
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest Can be replaced with lemon zest for a different flavor
  • All-purpose flour For dusting the pan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and grease with butter, dusting it lightly with flour.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring water, sugar, salt, and pork lard to a boil. Stir in the ground almonds and cook over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to see the bottom of the pan.
  3. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth. Lightly beat the egg yolks and whole eggs, then fold them into the almond mixture gently.
  4. Stir in the almond extract or amaretto and orange zest. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Do not overbake.
  2. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then turn it out onto a platter, peel off the parchment, and serve in wedges at room temperature.

Notes

Store covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.