OUZO-SCENTED ALMOND, YOGURT, AND OLIVE OIL CAKE

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Ouzo-Scented Almond, Yogurt, and Olive Oil Cake image

Provided by Aglaia Kremezi

Categories     Food Processor     Mixer     Egg     Nut     Dessert     Bake     Quick & Easy     Yogurt     Almond     Bon Appétit     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes two (8-inch) loaves

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups whole almonds, divided
3/4 cup ouzo (unsweetened anise liqueur) or Pernod
3 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
3 whole star anise,* finely ground in spice mill or in mortar with pestle (about 1 3/4 teaspoons ground)
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
4 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 cup extra-light olive oil or 1/2 cup regular olive oil mixed with 1/2 cup sunflower oil
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons plain whole-milk yogurt
*Available in the spice section of some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Asian markets.

Steps:

  • Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 375°F. Brush two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch metal loaf pans with olive oil. Line pan bottoms with parchment paper; brush parchment with olive oil. Spread 1 1/2 cups almonds on rimmed baking sheet; toast in oven 10 minutes. Cool. Transfer to processor and coarsely grind (some small almond pieces should remain); set aside. Finely chop 1/2 cup untoasted almonds in processor. Boil ouzo in small saucepan until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 2 minutes. Cool.
  • Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped untoasted almonds over bottom of each pan. Whisk flour, ground star anise, baking powder, sea salt, and ground toasted almonds in large bowl.
  • Using electric mixer, beat egg yolks and 1 1/2 cups sugar in medium bowl until well blended (mixture will look grainy at first). Add 1 cup light olive oil; beat 1 minute. Add ouzo and yogurt and beat until well blended, about 30 seconds. Gradually add flour mixture to yolk mixture, beating just until incorporated (batter will be thick).
  • Using dry clean beaters, beat egg whites in large bowl until stiff but not dry. Fold 1/3 of whites into batter to lighten. Fold in remaining whites in 2 additions. Divide batter between prepared pans (about 3 1/2 cups for each). Sprinkle each with remaining finely chopped untoasted almonds, dividing equally. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon sugar.
  • Bake cakes until golden brown and tester inserted into centers comes out clean, about 1 hour 5 minutes. Cool cakes in pans on rack 15 minutes. Turn cakes out onto rack and cool completely. DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in foil and store at room temperature.

Gran Kaka
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I can't wait to try this cake with different flavor combinations. I think it would be great with lemon and poppy seeds or chocolate and hazelnuts.


Samikhan Khan
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This cake is a great way to use up leftover yogurt and olive oil.


Calvin Washington
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I followed the recipe exactly and the cake turned out perfectly. It was moist and flavorful, with a beautiful golden crust.


David Smith
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This is one of the best cakes I've ever had. The flavors are perfectly balanced and the texture is divine.


Fortune Moila
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This cake is perfect for a summer party. It's light and airy, and the orange and olive oil flavors are refreshing.


calroo2010
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I'm not usually a fan of almond desserts, but this cake changed my mind. It's light and refreshing, with a subtle almond flavor.


Bmp You
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This cake is a winner! It's moist, flavorful, and easy to make.


Zahid Tony
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I made this cake for a party and it was a huge hit. Everyone loved the unique flavor and the beautiful presentation.


Muraina Quadri
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I would definitely recommend this cake to anyone who loves unique and flavorful desserts.


SH Sajjat
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The cake was easy to make and the instructions were clear.


Hajara Aktar
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I love the moist and dense texture of this cake. It's perfect for a special occasion or as a simple dessert.


Tanesha Taylor
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This cake is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. The combination of orange, almond, and olive oil creates a unique and unforgettable taste.