Almond & Lemon Cake with Strawberry Preserves

This Almond & Lemon Cake with Strawberry Preserves is a delightful and refreshing dessert. The almond and lemon flavors in the cake pair perfectly with the fresh strawberry preserve topping, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion.

Almond-Lemon Agrumato (Fused) Cake:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour + more for flouring pan
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds, toasted and then ground fine in a blender, grinder, or food processor
• 1/2 cup fresh Lemon Fused Olive Oil + more for greasing pan
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the rack to the middle of the oven. Using agrumato lemon olive oil, grease and flour one 9″ cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, lemon agrumato olive oil, vanilla, and lemon zest. Whisk to thoroughly combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, whisking after each addition until well combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool for five minutes in the pan, then gently run a knife around the side to loosen and invert onto a rack to fully cool.

Fresh Strawberry Preserve Topping:

• 4 cups washed, hulled strawberries, sliced thin
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a heavy saucepan set over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
2. Simmer for 7 minutes, being careful that the contents do not boil over.
3. Set aside and allow to thicken as it cools to room temperature before spreading over the cooled cake.
4. Optional: Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream on each slice.