Why are ground almonds used in cakes?

Table of Contents:

1. Why are ground almonds used in cakes?
2. What can I replace ground almonds with in a recipe?
3. What can I replace ground almonds with in a cake?
4. Can I use desiccated coconut instead of ground almonds?
5. Can I use ground almonds instead of polenta?

Why are ground almonds used in cakes?

One way to guarantee a moist, almost squidgy crumb to your cake is to add ground almonds. The oil in the nuts ensures a welcome dampness to the cake and, even better, their addition means that a cake will get even moister after a day or two.

What can I replace ground almonds with in a recipe?

Possible alternatives for replacing smaller amounts of ground almonds in a recipe include breadcrumbs, ground rice, semolina and polenta but the results will vary according to the individual recipe, so each recipe will need to be tried and tested. Uncooked semolina has a similar texture to ground almonds.

What can I replace ground almonds with in a cake?

The best nuts as an alternative would be blanched (skinless) hazelnuts as they also have a mild flavour, like almonds, and so the flavour of the finished dish wouldn't be adversely affected. Cashews, macadamias and blanched peanuts are also quite mild.

Can I use desiccated coconut instead of ground almonds?

Shredded coconut can mostly be replaced with coarsely ground or chopped nuts, and desiccated coconut with ground nuts. Both coconut and nuts have a decent amount of natural oil in them, so can mostly be substituted for each other.

Can I use ground almonds instead of polenta?

Unfortunately you can't make the cake with plain (all-purpose) flour as a substitute for the polenta as flour absorbs liquid at a different rate to the polenta and the texture of the cake will be dry and heavy. Neither should the cake be made with just ground almonds as it will be too oily.