The Story & Intro
Every winter in Crete, my kitchen comes alive with the scent of toasted almonds and sweet strawberries. This Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake instantly takes me back to cozy afternoons with my grandmother, when the rain tapped gently on the windows and we baked together, laughing as flour dusted our hands. She believed that almonds made cakes feel rich without being heavy, and fresh strawberries added a pop of color and joy.
I remember carefully stirring the strawberry compote while my grandmother checked the sponge, her eyes twinkling with patience. Today, I bake this Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake to recreate that magic: a festive dessert that’s elegant, comforting, and simple enough to make at home. Every slice tells a story, every bite shares warmth.
This cake is perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend treats, or whenever you want to impress friends with minimal effort. With tender almond sponge layers and luscious strawberry compote, it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and love.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake
The combination of nutty almond sponge and sweet-tart strawberry compote creates a cake that’s light yet indulgent. It’s moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, but it’s not overly sweet. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday table, a birthday, or just a cozy afternoon at home, this cake is guaranteed to delight. Plus, it’s approachable for home bakers no advanced techniques needed.
Ingredients
Almond Sponge
- 1½ cups almond flour
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup whole milk
Strawberry Compote
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water
Garnish (Optional)
- Powdered sugar
- Sliced almonds
- Fresh strawberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Strawberry Compote
Start with the compote to let it cool while you bake. In a saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the strawberries release their juices and soften. Mix cornstarch with water, stir into the pan, and cook for another minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Prepare the Almond Sponge
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the sponge tender.
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake the Sponge
Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assemble the Cake
Place one sponge layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of strawberry compote on top. Carefully place the second sponge layer on top. Dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with sliced almonds or fresh strawberries if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake at room temperature, slightly warm, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a light dessert wine. Perfect for holiday celebrations or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this cake brings warmth and joy to every occasion.
🍰 Recipe Card Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake
⏱️ Time Cook
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 25 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
🧺 Ingredients
Almond flour, strawberries, butter, sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, milk, vanilla, almond extract
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make strawberry compote and cool.
- Prepare almond sponge and bake.
- Assemble layers with compote.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, almonds, or fresh strawberries.
📝 Note
Use room-temperature ingredients for best texture. Optional: lightly toast almonds for added crunch.
🥗 Nutrition (per slice)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 20g
Short 100-Word Version
This Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake is a festive and tender dessert, featuring almond sponge layers filled with sweet strawberry compote. Inspired by my grandmother’s Crete kitchen, it’s perfect for holidays or weekend treats. Almond flour makes the cake moist and nutty, while strawberries provide freshness and a bright color contrast. Simple to make, it requires only a few ingredients and is approachable for bakers of any level. Serve with tea, coffee, or whipped cream. Every bite is a balance of sweet and nutty, creating a cozy, memorable dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Almond Holiday Cake is more than just a dessert it’s a memory, a story, and a celebration in one. Baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive. With simple ingredients, a tender almond sponge, and a vibrant strawberry compote, this cake is approachable, festive, and heartwarming. Share it with family, friends, or someone special, and create moments that linger as sweetly as the flavors in every bite. Baking, after all, is about love, warmth, and the joy of sharing.