Friday, January 27, 2012

Almond Sheet Cake

Almond sheet cake 1

So Valentines Day is fast approaching.

Would you be shocked to know that we really don't make a big deal out of it at our house?

I mean it's usually just a week or so after the Super Bowl, so it's a bit of a let down when you compare it to that. Football - wings - dips - brats - chili. Super Bowl Sunday is a good day at my house. Valentines Day, meh, not so much.

John and I don't get each other gifts, or cards even. Shocking I know.

I usually make something he loves for dinner so don't think I'm a total Valentine humbug. We might even say Happy Valentines Day to each other but that's as far as it goes. (I can hear you sucking your teeth at me!)

I'm lucky to be married to someone who treats me really well and shows me everyday how much he loves me. Heck I even get flowers for no reason at all, so take that Saint Valentine. February 14th is pretty much just another day, but for you love-birds out there, I give you cake, cause I'm pretty sure cupids got a sweet tooth.

If you want to make something sweet for your sweetheart this recipe hits the nail on the chubby guys little head.

Try and use real almond extract. It will make all the difference in the world.

Almond sheet cake

Almond Sheet Cake
adapted from a recipe at Your Home Based Mom
For the cake:
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup water
2 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup sour cream (at room temp)
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons real almond extract

For the Icing:
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1/4 cup milk
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract

Preheat the oven to 375.

In a small saucepan add the water and the butter. Bring to a boil and set aside. Place the sugar and the flour in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the butter & water mixture in the dry ingredients and beat well. Add the baking soda, almond extract and sour cream. Add the eggs in last. Mix to combine.

Pour the batter into a greased jelly roll pan. (that's a quarter sheet pan with sides, 13"L x 9 1/2"W x 1"H ). Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until the middle is set. Let cake cool completely before icing.

For the icing: Bring the butter and milk to a boil in a small pan. Put the powdered sugar into a large bowl. One the butter and milk come to boil pour it into powdered sugar. Stir until combined. Add in the almond extract. You may need to add more sugar or milk at this point. It's a touchy feely kinda icing. You want it to be thick but pourable. Like a thick pancake batter. Pour over the cake and gently spread to cover. The icing will set up. I placed the whole cake in the fridge so it would set up faster.

15 comments:

Becki's Whole Life said...

This sounds great! Would be nice for a child's birthday party because you can do some fun decorating on the big sheet cake. I love almond, too!

Amy said...

"I'm lucky to be married to someone who treats me really well and shows me everyday how much he loves me." YEP.

We'd all but forget about V-Day in our house too if it weren't for Haley's birthday being a few days before it...and she's a little girl...who loves pink. She reminds us. It's got to be the silliest of commercialized "holidays" - but hey, I'm a sucker for a yummy cake. Aren't we all?

Mary Bergfeld said...

Your cake sounds really delicious and would be Valentine enough for anyone. I hope you have a good day. Blessings...Mary

Sunja said...

This looks delicious! I just made up my own recipe for the first time a couple weeks ago - white chocolate almond brownies. I bet this cake is fairly similar and just as delicious! :) I love making sweets with almond extract, it really does make a huge difference!

Creating Through LIFE said...

Sounds delicious! We love anything with almond in it around here.

Foodiewife said...

My husband proposed to me on Valentine's Day, so it is a special anniversary. That's great that you are married to someone who makes you feel special all year round. I'm lucky in that respect. You had me at almond. Love, love, LOVE almond flavor. Yes, I'm making these. You bet. This looks fast and simple. With my busy life, this sounds perfect. Thank you!

Jackie said...

Looks yummy, I love the simple little heart in the middle.

Stefanie said...

I would happily eat this cake any day of the year were my sweetheart to make it for me. alas, i am the baker (if you could call it that) of the family, and she doesn't like almond as much as I do, so I would make this all for myself probably. It looks delicious!

Anonymous said...

The first Valentine's Day after we were married the previous Oct., my new husband did NOTHING! I was crushed! But I learned he was a typical "guy" who thought Valentine's Day was for dating couples and that it was really an excuse "to pick a poor man's pocket." For the next few years after that, he was sweet to buy me a card, but we are now WAY beyond that 36 years later. We try to have a special dinner, but it's more because we like to cook and it's a good excuse! And that Almond Sheet Cake looks perfect for dessert!!

Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D said...

Simple can be wonderful :)

Renée said...

What a delicious looking cake. I'm all about yummy cakes with hearts and flowers!

Monica H said...

I saw this and immediately thought of Debby, but I see she's already been here!

Mia said...

Quick Question: Is regular flour used or cake flour? Thanks!

Mia said...

Quick Question: Is regular flour used or cake flour? Thanks!

The Cutting Edge of Ordinary said...

Mia - regular all purpose flour!