German Almond Buttercake

A crunchy, buttery almond cake that will melt in your mouth 

This is a German Blechkuchen (sheet cake), which is available in a wide variety of styles throughout Germany. My mom uses a recipe with custard on top, while some are made with custard and fruit, and others with just with sugar, butter and a yeast dough. This recipe is a rich version of a buttery, crunchy tasting almond cake. I made it for the first time last week for a movie night at home and it was devoured by my diet-conscious California friends. It is also a great dessert to take to the office or a party. I can't give credit to the cook, because I copied an old German magazine article years ago. ​

Bring the butter and eggs up to room temperature. I have a Kitchen Aid, but a hand-held mixer will do just fine. However, it is important to beat the butter, sugar, and eggs until they are light and fluffy, while mixing the sour cream and flour mixture as little as possible.

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Preheat the oven to 425° F
Butter or spray with oil a 15" by 10" inch jellyroll-like pan.


Cake Ingredients:

10 Tbs. soft butter
 ½ cup sugar
6 eggs (room temperature) 
2 ½ cup flour
2 tbs. baking powder 
1 cup sour cream


Topping:

8 ounces sliced or slivered almonds (toasted) 
1 cup sugar
12 Tbs. butter
4 Tbs. whipped cream ​

Directions:

For the dough:

Beat the soft butter until fluffy. Slowly add the sugar and continue to beat several minutes until the mixture is creamy, white and fluffy. Add one egg at a time and continue to beat until each egg is blended into the dough. Sift the flour and baking powder. Add the flour mixture and sour cream to the dough and mix until combined, making sure you don't over mix the flour. Scrape evenly into the pan and bake in the lower part of the oven for about 20 minutes.

Topping:

Toast the almonds in a frying pan until they are lightly colored, be careful not to brown them.  Melt the butter, sugar and cream in a pot. Bring to a boil while stirring constantly, add the almonds and put this mixture evenly on top of the cake. Bake in the center of the oven for 5-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then cut into serving size pieces and serve. ​