Almond-Lemon Pressato Cake

Serves: 10 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup blanched almonds toasted and then ground fine in a blender, grinder or food processor

• 1/2 cup fresh TAO Lemon Pressato Olive Oil + more for greasing pan

• 4 large eggs beaten

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Fresh Strawberry Preserve Topping

• 4 cups washed, hulled strawberries sliced thin

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Almond-Lemon Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 and adjust the rack to the middle of the oven. 

2.  Using Lemon Pressato Olive Oil, grease and flour one 9" cake pan.

3. Combine the eggs, sugar, Lemon Pressato Olive Oil, vanilla, and lemon zest in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk to combine thoroughly.

4. Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl and whisk to combine.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, whisking after each addition. 

6.  Pour into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for five minutes in the pan, and then gently run a knife around the side to loosen and invert onto a rack to fully cool.

Fresh Strawberry Preserve Topping

1. Combine the strawberries, sugar, zest, and juice in a heavy saucepan set over medium heat. 

2. Bring to a simmer. Simmer for 7 minutes, careful that the contents do not boil over. 

3. Set aside and allow to thicken as it cools to room temperature before spreading over the cake with a dollop of lightly whipped cream on each slice (optional).