Almond Recipes for Almond Lovers

Do you love almond recipes?

I do. I’ll pick out the almond pastry in any bakery lineup, any day. I can scan a dessert menu for the word almond in a nano second. And every time I open a bottle of almond extract I have to spend a few quiet moments just inhaling that aroma. When I’m spiking a recipe or want a special cocktail it’s got to include Amaretto. Almond recipes are my everything.

Is that weird? I hope a few of you feel the same way (or I’ll definitely feel weird.)

What’s so special about almonds?

• THAT FLAVOR! Almonds contain a higher concentration of a specific aromatic compound called benzaldehyde. Benzaldehyde is responsible for the characteristic almond flavor we love so much.
• ALMONDS AREN’T NUTS: Technically, almonds are not true nuts like walnuts, Brazil nuts, and cashews.
  • Almonds are drupes. Drupes are a type of fruit containing a single seed surrounded by a fleshy mesocarp (middle layer) and a hard endocarp (inner layer) ~ the pit we often associate with the fruit. Examples of drupes include cherries, peaches, and apricots.
• SUPER HEALTH BENEFITS: Research suggests potential health benefits associated with moderate almond consumption, including reduced risk of heart disease, improved blood sugar control, and weight management.

What makes that amazing almond flavor?

Almond flavoring has an interesting backstory. Traditionally it was made from bitter almonds, which contain amygdalin. When it breaks down, it forms benzaldehyde ~ that classic almond aroma ~ but it can also produce cyanide. Because of that risk, bitter almonds aren’t sold in the U.S.

Amygdalin also occurs in apricot, peach, and cherry pits ~ which explains the subtle almond note in some stone fruit desserts.

Today most almond extracts are made with synthetic benzaldehyde, giving you the same signature flavor without the danger. Some premium brands still use small amounts of bitter almond oil, clearly listed on the label.

What’s the best almond flavoring for your almond recipes?

Epicurious did a study of over a dozen almond flavorings and extracts ~ they came up with McCormick’s Almond Flavoring as the winner. My personal choice? Neilsen-Massey Almond Extract (made with bitter almond oil.)

Almond extract is a secret weapon

I use almond extract in so many ways in my kitchen. In the almond recipes below, of course, but you’d be surprised the number of unlikely places I sneak it in (Nantucket cranberry pie….blueberry muffins…cardamom plum crumble bars.) It serves as a perfect companion to vanilla and creates a whole new, so much more complex flavor profile in a lot of desserts. I like the combo so much I rarely use vanilla alone anymore.

Almond Cake Recipes

Almond Ricotta Cake

4.91 from 98 votes

Italian almond ricotta cake is a new favorite of mine, the flavor and texture are irresistible!

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White Texas Sheet Cake

5 from 5 votes

Need an easy summer dessert? Whip up my white Texas sheet cake made with a vanilla cake mix and topped with a luscious cooked almond frosting!

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Norwegian Rhubarb and Almond Cake

4.46 from 157 votes

This Norwegian Rhubarb and Almond Cake is a delicate breakfast cake that features the unusual combination of tart rhubarb with almond. This is an ideal spring brunch cake.

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Almond Cheesecake

5 from 2 votes

This one-bowl almond cheesecake is all about creamy simplicity, with cream cheese and ricotta giving it that perfectly plush texture.

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Almond Fig Cake

4.93 from 14 votes

My almond fig cake is a lovely, not too sweet coffee cake in the Mediterranean tradition that's great for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. 

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Almond Layer Cake with Blackberry Buttercream

4.41 from 37 votes

This celebratory Almond Layer Cake with Blackberry Buttercream is an elegant combination of the perfect yellow cake with an unusual tangy berry frosting…don't be surprised if this easy layer cake becomes your most requested dessert.  

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Cherry Almond Crisp Dump Cake

5 from 2 votes

This deliciously easy cherry almond crisp has a tart homemade cherry filling topped with an almond crumble that starts with a French vanilla cake mix. Whoever said 'easy as pie' obviously never made a crisp!

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Swedish Visiting Cake

4.77 from 60 votes

Swedish Visiting Cake is a simple yet delicious almond coffee cake with a crispy top and a soft, moist center.

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Almond Cookie Recipes

Paste di Mandorla ~ Sicilian Almond Paste Cookies

5 from 22 votes

Authentic Italian almond paste cookies with lemon are perfect with tea or coffee. These soft amaretti style almond cookies are easy and delicious!

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Marzipan Shortbread Cookies

5 from 1 vote

If you love almond, these marzipan shortbread cookies will be your new favorites. Sweet almond marzipan melts into buttery shortbread to create soft, tender stamped cookies that look beautiful and taste even better.

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Flourless Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

3.36 from 224 votes

I am blown away by these flourless almond butter cookies ~ just 1 bowl, 5  ingredients, and 10 minutes in the oven!

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Almond Lace Wafers

3.54 from 52 votes

These delicate almond lace wafer cookies are gluten free and have a wonderfully light crisp texture.  Dip them in chocolate or leave them plain, they’re always a hit!

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Toasted Almond Russian Tea Cakes

4.59 from 17 votes

Delicate shortbread cookies made with toasted almonds and coated with powdered sugar.

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Rhubarb Baci di Dama

4.27 from 19 votes

Rhubarb Baci di Dama (Lady's Kiss Cookies) ~ Italian almond cookies filled with an amazing roasted rhubarb buttercream!

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Almond Bars + Blondie Recipes

Almond Shortbread Bars

4.20 from 239 votes

Almond Shortbread Bars ~ melt in your mouth shortbread infused with a homemade almond paste, and topped with a to-die-for sweet almond glaze.

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Raspberry Almond Bars

5 from 11 votes

Crazy good raspberry almond bars that have a vibrant raspberry filling, lots of almond flavor, and a unique soft and crunchy texture ~ you can't go wrong with this recipe!

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Almond Butter Skillet Bondie

4.15 from 14 votes

These Almond Butter Skillet Blondies are an easy one bowl skillet dessert that makes a quick treat for the family.

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Sour Cherry Almond Bars

3.81 from 163 votes

Sour Cherry Almond Bars ~ the cherry filling is nice and tart, the almond crumble is chewy and butterscotch-y ~ these are a must make!

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White Chocolate Almond Butter Squares

3.85 from 13 votes

No Bake White Chocolate Almond Butter Squares ~ a variation on the popular peanut butter and chocolate bars, this easy no bake dessert is a family favorite.

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Almond recipes for breakfast

Raspberry Almond Puff Pastry Danish

5 from 20 votes

Raspberry almond puff pastry Danish is a shortcut Danish recipe with an easy flaky pastry so you can focus on the creamy filling!

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Sheet Pan Almond Croissant

5 from 2 votes

This sheet pan almond croissant is my shortcut to flaky, almond-filled bliss ~ with zero pastry drama.

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Almond Poppy Seed Muffins

4 from 4 votes

Moist and lightly sweet, these almond poppy seed muffins are a pantry-friendly treat with fragrant almond flavor and a satisfying poppy seed crunch.

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Overnight Crock Pot Oatmeal with Almond Butter and Honey

4.38 from 8 votes

Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal with Almond Butter and Honey  ~ wake up to this healthy, protein rich breakfast, no slaving over a hot stove in your pajamas necessary!

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Almond Poppy Seed French Toast

3.72 from 98 votes

Almond Poppy Seed French Toast is a delicious twist on the classic breakfast made with brioche, buttermilk, and lots of crunchy poppy seeds.

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Almond flour cake recipes

Chocolate Olive Oil Cake

4.78 from 22 votes

A deliciously easy gluten free chocolate cake made with olive oil instead of butter.

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Meyer Lemon Cake

3.71 from 345 votes

This naturally gluten free Meyer Lemon cake is made with the entire lemon, peel and all, and has a tender texture and a fresh lemon flavor.

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Gluten Free Chocolate Almond Pear Cake

5 from 1 vote

A French inspired almond-based chocolate cake with a soft crumb and a topping of gently baked pear slices.

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Almond Peach Cake

5 from 2 votes

My peach almond cake is soft, golden, and just the right mix of rustic and elegant ~ with juicy peaches and a tender almond crumb that stays moist for days.

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Almond Flour Brownies

5 from 9 votes

These soft, moist, and intensely chocolatey almond flour brownies are a gluten-free treat that's both simple and decadent.

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Easy Almond Macaroon Cake

4.95 from 38 votes

This Easy Almond Macaroon Cake is a one-bowl gluten free cake made with lots of almonds, and sweetened coconut ~ it's elegant, simple, and delicious!

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Flourless Tangerine Cake

3.83 from 247 votes

My Flourless Tangerine Cake is made with whole tangerines and almond flour in the Italian tradition ~ it's impossibly moist and bursting with citrus flavor, like biting into a fresh tangerine!

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Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.31 from 62 votes

This Gluten Free Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is made with almond flour for a rich, moist texture and amazing flavor!

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Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten Free)

3.71 from 399 votes

Meet your new go-to flourless chocolate cake ~ rich, silky, and impossibly simple. It bakes up into a luxe, mousse-like slice that needs nothing more than a dusting of powdered sugar to feel festive. Perfect for the chocolate purist.

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Gluten Free Zucchini Cake

4.77 from 21 votes

Gluten Free Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, grain-free, lightly spiced and generously frosted dessert.

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Frozen almond dessert recipes

Toasted Almond Frosted Milkshake

4.50 from 20 votes

This Toasted Almond Milkshake is the ultimate almond indulgence…if you loved the Good Humor man's Toasted Almond ice cream bar you're going to want to stick around for this…

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Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet

4.29 from 14 votes

Easy Plum Amaretto Sorbet ~ this epic summer fruit sorbet is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted, it’s like biting into a ripe juicy plum, only exploded tenfold.   To be honest, a fresh plum never tasted so good!

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Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles

4.50 from 4 votes

Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles made with fresh or frozen fruit and yogurt are almost too pretty to eat!

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Amaretto Poppy Seed Ice Cream

3.70 from 23 votes

Unique Amaretto Poppy Seed ice Cream is an almond lover's dream dessert!

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The Frozen Turkey Cocktail

4.59 from 17 votes

The Frozen Turkey is an adult cocktail of epic proportions, your holidays are never going to be the same, trust me!  This spiked ice cream milkshake is guaranteed to become a new holiday tradition.

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Savory almond recipes

Green Beans Almondine

5 from 3 votes

Green beans almondine is elegant, delicious, and super easy to make. It's a go-to side dish for holidays and family meals.

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Sicilian Pasta with Almonds and Anchovies

3.64 from 38 votes

Sicilian Pasta with Almonds and Anchovies is a simply lush 30 minute meal that typifies the healthy Mediterranean diet…and please don't tell me you don't like anchovies — just hold that thought until the end of the post 🙂

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Fragrant Toasted Almond Pilaf

4 from 9 votes

My Toasted Almond Rice Pilaf has roots in ancient cuisines, but it's vegan and gluten free, so it'll please a modern crowd too!

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Spanish Almond Soup

3.78 from 18 votes

Spanish Almond Soup ~ aka ajo blanco, or white gazpacho, is a cool and creamy chilled soup without a speck of dairy ~ it’s wonderfully refreshing!

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Couscous Salad

4.60 from 10 votes

Unique Couscous Almondine Salad: a refreshing twist on pasta salad with dried fruits, crunchy almonds, and a hint of allspice and cinnamon.

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Other almond recipes

Dark Roasted Almonds

4.84 from 6 votes

Deeply roasted almonds with an unexpectedly intense flavor ~ the easiest most delicious appetizer we've ever had!

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White Toasted Almond Bark with Sea Salt

3.87 from 150 votes

Toasted almond bark is an incredibly easy homemade candy that features deeply toasted almonds embedded in creamy white chocolate ~ the combination is unbelievable, you have to try it for yourself!

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Homemade Almond Milk

5 from 1 vote

Blending your own almond milk at home takes just minutes, and the result is smooth, clean, and way better than store-bought.

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How to Make Homemade Almond Paste!

3.62 from 34 votes

Homemade almond paste in just 10 minutes in your food processor!

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