Name: Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup chopped almonds; 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 3 tbsp butter; 1/2 tsp cinnamon

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If you’re in the mood for a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your oven, the Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This tender, lightly spiced cake is crowned with a crisp, buttery almond streusel topping that adds texture and flavor with every bite. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, treating guests to afternoon tea, or simply craving something homemade and comforting, this cake hits every note perfectly. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that will quickly become a beloved classic on your dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear and white bowls arranged on a wooden surface with a white cloth underneath. At the center, a clear glass bowl contains three layers of dry ingredients: white flour taking half the space at the bottom, dark brown cocoa powder in a rough texture filling the upper half, and a small clear bowl with white baking soda and salt resting on top. To the top right, a white bowl is filled with packed brown sugar. Below this, two white eggs sit in a small white bowl. At the bottom left, a clear glass cup holds a pale yellow liquid. Next to it, a white bowl holds a smooth, thick white creamy substance. Below that, a small clear glass cup has a dark brown liquid, and to the right, a clear measuring cup is filled with milk. The background is a smooth wooden surface with a soft white cloth draped artistically. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is straightforward but essential, working together to create a balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch. From the warming notes of cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake to the nutty, buttery almonds in the streusel, every element plays a vital role in building this delightful treat.

1 1/2 cups flour: Provides the cake’s soft, tender structure and cakey crumb.
1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough without overpowering those lovely spices.
1/2 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and streusel alike.
2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffy texture.
1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender, balancing the dry ingredients.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect, light finish.
1 tsp cinnamon: Introduces that cozy spice that defines the cake’s warm flavor.
1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the spice blend.
1 tsp vanilla: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
1/2 cup chopped almonds: Creates the signature crunch in the streusel topping.
1/4 cup flour (for streusel): Gives the streusel its crumbly texture.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with a slight caramel undertone in the streusel.
3 tbsp butter: Binds the streusel ingredients and makes it perfectly crisp when baked.
1/2 tsp cinnamon (streusel): Echoes the cake’s spice for a harmonious topping.

How to Make Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature so the cake bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust. Meanwhile, grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper to stop the cake from sticking. This little prep work always makes cleanup easier later.

Step 2: Mix Butter, Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy—that fluffy base is key to a tender crumb. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with a sweet aroma that’s just irresistible.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate with Milk

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These spices set the flavor tone for your cake. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can toughen the cake, and we want it soft and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a bowl, toss together chopped almonds, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter. Use your fingertips or a fork to crumble the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This topping will bake to a crunchy, buttery finish that complements the soft, spiced cake underneath.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the almond streusel topping over the cake batter. This layering creates the magic combination of soft cake and crisp topping. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the most inviting scents!

How to Serve Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe

The image shows a round crumb cake with four slices cut and separated slightly from the center. The cake has three layers: the bottom layer is a light golden brown base, the middle layer is thicker and more solid with a slightly darker brown color, and the top layer is a crumbly, rough-textured topping in a mix of golden brown and tan colors. The cake is on a white plate with a delicate black dotted edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness. For a festive flair, try adding a few slivers of toasted almonds on top to highlight the streusel’s nutty crunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the presentation and flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or your favorite black tea, making it an ideal afternoon treat. If you’re serving it at a holiday gathering, vanilla ice cream or a cinnamon-spiced whipped cream on the side will take the experience to a whole new level of indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on pretty dessert plates garnished with fresh orange zest for a burst of color and brightness. Alternatively, remove the cake from the pan, cut it into small squares, and serve it as bite-sized finger food at brunch or a casual get-together. This Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe is versatile enough to shine in any setting you choose!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and the streusel topping delightfully crisp. If your kitchen is warm, placing it in the fridge is fine too, but be aware the topping might soften slightly.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy this cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps bring back some of the cake’s original softness and enhances the aroma of the spices and almonds.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of almonds in this Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans make fantastic substitutes and add their own unique flavors. Just chop them roughly and use the same amount to keep the topping’s texture balanced.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Make sure the blend suits baking to achieve a similar crumb and texture.

Can I make the streusel topping ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare the streusel a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Before baking, just sprinkle it over the batter as directed. This can save you some time on baking day.

How spicy is this cake? Can I adjust the spices?

The spice level in this Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe is mild and warm rather than intense, perfect for any palate. Feel free to increase the cinnamon or nutmeg slightly if you want a bolder flavor.

What type of pan works best for this recipe?

A standard 8-inch square or round cake pan works beautifully. Using a light-colored metal pan ensures even baking and a perfect crust. Nonstick is ideal for easy removal, but greasing and lining with parchment also does the trick.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Spiced Almond Streusel Dessert Cake Recipe, it feels like sharing a little bit of warmth and joy with those I care about. Its simple ingredients come together to create something so comforting and beautifully textured that it’s impossible not to smile with each bite. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress, give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds.