Almond cake

The almond cake is a classic: lovely and fragrant, combining simple ingredients which can be put together in many different ways, depending on the particular ingredients used and the method of preparation. Here we suggest a recipe using a rich egg mixture, almonds, raisins and dark chocolate. You can replace the almond essence with some amaretto liqueur - the flavour will be unmistakable! Serve this cake in smallish portions, perhaps with a cup of tea. It is perfect as a tasty snack, as a dessert after dinner with friends, or as a gift when you are invited to a lunch party - but don’t forget to taste at least one slice. You need just a few minutes and some good will to make this magnificent cake: follow our recipe and picture gallery and it will be a breeze!

Put the diced, softened butter and the sugar in a bowl and whisk with an electric mixer until frothy and creamy. Add the egg yolks with the cream, setting aside the egg whites. Continue to mix well, adding the finely chopped almonds and sift in the flour sifted and baking powder. Stir and add the raisins, which you have previously soaked and drained, the finely chopped chocolate, water and the almond essence. Mix everything with an electric whisk. Separately beat the egg whites until stiff, fold them gently into the almond mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon from the bottom upwards. Grease and flour a 24cm springform baking tin, pour in the mixture and level it off well. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes, checking that it’s done with a toothpick.