Indulge in Sweet Elegance: White Texas Almond Sheet Cake
Step into the realm of sweet sophistication with a decadent delight that embodies the essence of Southern charm—White Texas Almond Sheet Cake. This indulgent dessert combines the rich flavors of almond and vanilla in a moist and tender cake, topped with a luscious layer of creamy frosting and garnished with toasted almonds. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create this irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant soirées.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract, optional
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Frosting:
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 4 1/2-5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, water, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Frost: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by whisking together the melted butter, milk, powdered sugar, almond extract, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top using a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the frosting for garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the White Texas Almond Sheet Cake into squares and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Toasted Almond Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the cake by toasting the sliced almonds before garnishing. Simply spread the almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a tangy twist, replace the traditional frosting with a cream cheese frosting. Simply beat together softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, then spread over the cooled cake.
- Citrus Zest: Add a pop of citrus flavor to the cake by incorporating the zest of a lemon or orange into the batter. The citrus zest will brighten the flavor profile and add a refreshing twist to the classic recipe.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here are adaptations to make the White Texas Almond Sheet Cake recipe keto-friendly:
- Almond Flour Base: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to reduce the carb content while maintaining a tender crumb.
- Sugar-Free Sweetener: Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar to keep the cake sugar-free and low in carbs. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
- Heavy Cream Frosting: Prepare a keto-friendly frosting by whipping together heavy cream, powdered erythritol, and almond extract until stiff peaks form. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and garnish with sliced almonds for a keto-friendly treat.
In conclusion, White Texas Almond Sheet Cake is a timeless dessert that exudes elegance and indulgence with its rich almond flavor, moist crumb, and creamy frosting. Whether enjoyed as a sweet ending to a special meal or as a decadent treat for any occasion, this cake is sure to captivate your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
So, gather your ingredients and let the aroma of almond and vanilla fill your kitchen as you embark on the journey of baking this irresistible confection. With its versatility, simplicity, and irresistible flavor, White Texas Almond Sheet Cake is a dessert that’s bound to become a beloved favorite among family and friends.
Savor the Sweetness of White Texas Almond Sheet Cake Today!
