Mini Almond and Grape Cakes
Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Emma Star Jensen
Inspired by French financiers, these small cakes are dense with the warm flavors of almond, orange zest, and butter. The grapes become a little jammy after baking, which complements the cakes' richness.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Preheat oven to 400°. Generously butter and flour 9 cups (1/3-cup size) in a muffin pan (if possible, use a shiny rather than a dark pan). In a bowl with a mixer, beat butter and sugar until thoroughly combined and light. Add eggs and beat until incorporated, stopping to scrape down inside of bowl. Add almond and all-purpose flours, orange zest, vanilla, and salt and beat on low speed to combine.
Step 2
2
Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Poke 1 grape into batter in each cup. Cut remaining grapes in half lengthwise; set 2 halves on batter in each cup. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Step 3
3
Bake until deep golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Let cool in pan on a rack at least 15 minutes. Loosen cakes from pan with a knife, set on small plates, and serve with a spoonful of crème fraîche if you like.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
18 black seedless grapes (3/4 cup)
1 1/2 tablespoons sliced almonds
Crème fraîche (optional)
Directions
Step 1
1
Preheat oven to 400°. Generously butter and flour 9 cups (1/3-cup size) in a muffin pan (if possible, use a shiny rather than a dark pan). In a bowl with a mixer, beat butter and sugar until thoroughly combined and light. Add eggs and beat until incorporated, stopping to scrape down inside of bowl. Add almond and all-purpose flours, orange zest, vanilla, and salt and beat on low speed to combine.
Step 2
2
Divide batter among prepared muffin cups. Poke 1 grape into batter in each cup. Cut remaining grapes in half lengthwise; set 2 halves on batter in each cup. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
Step 3
3
Bake until deep golden brown, 20 to 22 minutes, rotating pan halfway through. Let cool in pan on a rack at least 15 minutes. Loosen cakes from pan with a knife, set on small plates, and serve with a spoonful of crème fraîche if you like.
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