Small Batch Almond Raspberry Cakes

Small Batch Almond Raspberry Cakes. This small batch recipe makes just four mini cakes, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion when you don’t need a massive cake lying around tempting you to eat it. 

We’re talking cake today! Mini almond raspberry cakes. One small batch (four, to be precise) of itsy bitsy teeny tiny cakes. Just enough cake to make for your special someone on Valentine’s Day next week, but not too much cake that you end up accidentally eating your weight in it. I’ve got your back.

While I was brainstorming recipe ideas, I happened to revisit a recent favorite: this blueberry almond tea cake. Upon doing so, I quickly realized it was perfect for scaling down into a small-batch dessert. Let’s face it, some desserts are not made for scaling down. Measurements can wind up extremely wonky (I’d rather not measure out a tablespoon of beaten egg, thanks) or special equipment is needed.

These little cakelets are an exception. You just need a standard muffin tin. They might not be quite as festive as these chocolate heart meringue cups, but they are just as tasty and cute! They are also extremely low-maintenance, easy to prepare, and perfect for all occasions. Oh, and they’re made with almond and whole wheat flour too, so you can feel pretty good about them.

Like so many others, my brain automatically dwells on chocolate desserts whenever I think about Valentine’s Day. But I really wanted this dessert to be multi-purpose and appropriate for everyone. You know, even those of us who aren’t that into this particular holiday. Confession: I’m one of those people. Oops!

The type of cake that would be appropriate for brunch, tea, or as a casual after dinner treat. So instead of sticking with chocolate (these chocolate rochers or chocolate beet bundt cake would be a great alternative option, if you prefer chocolate!), I took a departure and went a bit lighter this year. These almond raspberry cakes are buttery, full of almond flavor, and have a delicate crumb.

For a pop of color, I wanted to incorporate berries and some of that beautiful winter citrus that I love so much. These almond raspberry cakes use frozen raspberries for maximum ease, and are infused with fresh orange zest. They are topped with a naturally pink orange glaze! Be still my heart.

Let’s talk about that glaze! Because I have a feeling that’s what most of you are most curious about. I was dead set on making a naturally colored glaze for these little cakes.

There are a few ways to make naturally pink glazes for cakes and other desserts. The easiest way to do so is to turn to nature, and think about what fruits and vegetables fall into that color category. The juice of blood oranges is perfect for this, but is largely dependent on whatever blood orange you happen to get your hands on. Some blood oranges (ok, a lot) are not dark enough in color to produce a super pink glaze. I couldn’t find any this time around.

The next best alternative is to use dehydrated powder or puree. Jam is another last minute option, but the color will be fairly muted. You know those freeze-dried fruits or vegetables? They are the easiest way to infuse a strong pop of natural color, because they tend to be readily available.

I happened to come across this natural coloring powder at Whole Foods and quickly realized it was just fancily disguised beet powder! If you happened to check out this year’s Halloween-themed beet bundt cake, you know how powerful beets are as a coloring agent.

Conclusion? It worked wonderfully. I used a few pinches of beet powder and the simple powdered sugar glaze turned into the most perfect shade of pink ever. I loved it. If you hate beets, you will not taste the beet powder, promise.

Dehydrated raspberries, ground and sifted into a fine powder, would be great option for these cakes.

To make these more ‘cake-like’, I chose not to line the muffin tin with papers. If you do this, be sure to generously grease your muffin pan with butter or baking spray.

To make them a bit different, I served and glazed them bottom-side up, which gives them more of a cake-like appearance! Cheers to small batch desserts.

Small Batch Almond Raspberry Cakes

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Yield: 4 Servings

Prep: 10 minutes minutes

Cook: 30 minutes minutes

Total: 40 minutes minutes

Small Batch Almond Raspberry Cakes. This small batch recipe makes four mini (muffin-size) cakes, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion when you don’t need a massive cake lying around tempting you to eat it.

Equipment

• USA 12-Cup Muffin Pan

Ingredients

Almond Raspberry Cakes

• ¼ cup (30 g) whole wheat pastry flour or unbleached all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (30 g) almond flour or meal
• ¼ + ⅛ teaspoons baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• zest of ½ orange
• 4 tablespoons (2 oz; 60 g) unsalted butter softened
• ⅛ teaspoon pure almond extract
• ⅛ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten room temperature
• 2 teaspoons whole or low-fat milk
• ½ cup (60 g) frozen raspberries see recipe notes

Pink Citrus Glaze

• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar sifted
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh orange or blood orange juice
• pinch natural beet powder or drop of pink food coloring optional

Instructions 

• Prepare the cakes: Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C) with a rack in the center position. Generously grease four center-positioned wells of a standard 12-cup muffin tin with baking spray (or line with paper liners).
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Reserve one teaspoon of the flour mixture to toss with the frozen raspberries. Set aside.
• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Using your fingertips, rub the zest into the granulated sugar until fragrant and moist. Add the softened butter, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Using a hand-held mixer (or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment) cream the butter and sugar mixture over medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Scrape down the bowl several times to ensure all of the ingredients are incorporated evenly. Reduce the speed to medium and add the egg. Beat until incorporated (it may look slightly broken). Over low speed, slowly add the flour mixture in two additions, alternating with the milk until just combined. The batter will be relatively thick.
• Using a spatula, gently fold the flour-dusted frozen raspberries into the batter. Using a spoon, transfer the batter evenly into the four greased muffin wells, and smooth the top with the bottom of the spoon.
• Bake for 26 to 28 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and beginning to pull away from the sides. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 3 to 5 minutes. Carefully invert the muffins onto the wire rack (*keep the cakes top-side down) and cool completely.
• Prepare the Glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and beet powder/coloring (if using) in a small bowl. The glaze should be thick, but be able to drizzle from the end of a spoon. If it is too thin, add additional powdered sugar. If too thick, add another drop or two of orange juice. Spoon the glaze over the cakes, allow to set slightly, and serve.

Tips for Success:

• If your frozen raspberries are very large in size, break them apart into slightly small pieces before folding them into the batter. They will distribute in the batter and help the cakes bake more evenly.

Adapted from my blueberry almond tea cake.

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 333kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 59mg, Sodium: 87mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 13g

Author: Laura / A Beautiful Plate

Course: Cakes and Cupcakes

Cuisine: American