Name: Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 whole eggs, at room temperature; 1/2 cup (56g) confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 cup (50g) almond flour; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 egg whites; 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 5 cups (570g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 oz. packet unflavored powdered gelatin; 2 cups (227g) confectioners’ sugar; 3-4 tablespoons milk or cream; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 9 Jordan almonds for mini cakes or 18 for petit fours; 2 oz. semisweet chocolate, melted; Edible gold leaf (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 20 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of bite-sized elegance that bursts with nutty flavor and delicate sweetness, then you are going to adore this Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe. These charming little cakes combine the light, airy texture of a classic genoise with the rich, toasty notes of almond flour, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Layered with luscious almond cream, topped with a shiny glaze, and garnished beautifully, these mini cakes are just the kind of dessert that makes you want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four stages of making a light, fluffy batter on a white marbled surface. The first stage (top left) features a metal bowl with a pale yellow liquid mixture that has some bubbles on top. The second stage (top right) shows a clear glass bowl filled with thick, smooth, white whipped batter with soft peaks. The third stage (bottom left) returns to the metal bowl with the batter now swirled and thick, showing folds and airy texture. The fourth stage (bottom right) captures a woman's hand holding a large metal spatula, gently lifting and spreading a smooth, white batter in a rectangular baking pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every great recipe starts with ingredients that are both simple and purposeful. Here, each element plays a crucial role in building the cake’s tender crumb, moist cream, and irresistible finish.

2 whole eggs at room temperature: Provide structure and richness while helping the cake rise beautifully.
1/2 cup (56g) confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the batter finely and helps create a delicate crumb.
1/2 cup (50g) almond flour: Adds moistness and a naturally nutty flavor essential for the almond genoise.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Gives the cake a little extra body without weighing it down.
2 egg whites: Whipped with cream of tartar for lightness and lift.
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites when beating them to stiff peaks.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the egg whites for fluffy volume.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Brings out the signature flavor of the genoise and cream filling.
Cream Filling Ingredients:

5 cups (570g) confectioners’ sugar: For a velvety smooth and sweet filling.
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter at room temperature: The fat that gives the cream its richness and silky texture.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances the almond flavor theme.
1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the gelatin and smooth out the filling.
1/4 oz. packet unflavored powdered gelatin: Stabilizes the cream so it holds its shape between cake layers.

Glaze Ingredients:

2 cups (227g) confectioners’ sugar: Sweet and shiny coating for the mini cakes.
3-4 tablespoons milk or cream: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
1 teaspoon almond extract: A finishing touch to tie the glaze flavor back to the cakes.

Décor: 9 Jordan almonds for mini cakes or 18 for petit fours; 2 oz. semisweet chocolate melted to add a touch of elegance.

How to Make Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Batter

First, start by combining the whole eggs with confectioners’ sugar. Whip them vigorously until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and tripled in volume. This aeration is key because it gives the almond genoise its signature light texture. Gently fold in the almond flour and all-purpose flour to keep all those tiny air bubbles intact, giving your mini cakes a tender crumb with a pleasant nutty bite.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

Next, beat your egg whites with the cream of tartar. Gradually add granulated sugar as you continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form. This meringue adds volume and an airy lift, giving the mini cakes a delicate springiness that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Combine Batter and Meringue

Very carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the almond-sugar batter in two additions. This folding technique ensures the cake batter stays light and puffy, so your mini cakes bake up with the perfect fluffiness that makes this Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe truly spectacular.

Step 4: Bake the Mini Cakes

Spoon the batter evenly into your mini cake molds or a lined mini muffin tin. Bake at a moderate temperature until golden and springy to the touch. Once cooled, these sponges will have the perfect texture to soak up cream fillings and hold their petite shape beautifully.

Step 5: Make the Cream Filling

While the cakes cool, prepare the almond cream. Bloom the unflavored gelatin in water, then gently warm until dissolved. Beat unsalted butter with confectioners’ sugar until fluffy, slowly incorporate the almond extract and gelatin mixture to create a creamy, stable filling. This luscious cream is what truly elevates the mini cakes into an indulgent, moist delight.

Step 6: Assemble the Cakes

Cut the cooled cakes horizontally if you want layers and spread the almond cream generously between. Stack and press gently to create little towers of nutty heaven. This assembly step showcases the skill and care that makes this Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe so rewarding to make and serve.

Step 7: Glaze and Decorate

Finally, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract for the glaze. Pour over the assembled cakes to coat them evenly with a shiny finish. While the glaze is still tacky, place a Jordan almond on top and drizzle with melted semisweet chocolate for an elegant, bakery-style presentation that will wow your guests.

How to Serve Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe

The image shows small rectangular cakes with three layers: two light golden brown cake layers on top and bottom with a thick white cream layer in the middle. The cakes are arranged on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. In the first two parts, white icing is poured smoothly over the cakes, covering the top and dripping down the sides. In the third part, each cake has a pastel-colored almond-shaped candy placed in the center on the white icing, in colors like pink, blue, green, and purple. In the last part, thin dark brown chocolate lines are drizzled over the cakes, and a woman's hand uses tweezers to place a small gold decoration on top of the pink candy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the cakes look stunning on their own, adding a few Jordan almonds glistening under a drizzle of melted chocolate adds texture and a touch of luxury. For a little sparkle, edible gold leaf on top gives these mini cakes an extra-special holiday or celebration touch that makes each bite feel like a treat.

Side Dishes

Pairing these delicate almond mini cakes with a light, fruity side like fresh berries or a tangy raspberry coulis brings a delightful balance to their buttery sweetness. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also complements their texture perfectly, making your dessert plate a harmonious mix of flavors and temperatures.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging your Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe on a beautiful tiered stand for a charming afternoon tea party centerpiece. Alternatively, placing them in decorative mini cake boxes or wrapping individually with a ribbon makes them perfect for gifting. These thoughtful touches highlight the care that went into baking and make sharing these treats even more special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover mini cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the almond cream filling fresh and prevent the sponge from drying out. They will stay delicious for up to three days, so you can enjoy these mini delights a day or two after baking without any loss of quality.

Freezing

If you want to make these Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe ahead of time for a big event, you can freeze them before glazing and decorating. Wrap each mini cake tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and then glaze and adorn for that fresh-baked impression.

Reheating

Generally, these cakes are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature to preserve the texture of the cream filling. If you prefer a slightly warmer bite, allow the mini cakes to soften at room temperature for 30 minutes rather than reheating, which might affect the cream’s consistency.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond flour with regular flour in this Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe?

You could, but almond flour is essential here as it provides the moistness and unique nutty flavor that defines this recipe. Substituting with all-purpose flour may produce a drier, less flavorful cake.

What is the purpose of cream of tartar in the recipe?

Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites as you whip them, helping you achieve stiff peaks and a light, airy texture which is crucial for the genoise sponge’s rise.

Is the gelatin necessary in the cream filling?

Yes, the gelatin ensures that the almond cream is stable enough to hold its shape between layers without becoming too soft or runny, keeping your mini cakes perfectly neat.

Can these mini cakes be made into a larger cake?

Definitely! You can scale up the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, but keep in mind that baking times will change and you’ll need to adjust accordingly to keep the light texture.

How do I prevent the glaze from being too runny?

Add the milk or cream little by little until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency that coats the cakes smoothly without dripping off completely.

Final Thoughts

Making the Almond Genoise Mini Cakes Recipe is one of those joys where technique meets love, and the result is truly something to savor. Each bite brings a cloud of almond-scented happiness that feels both indulgent and comforting. I can’t wait for you to bake these little wonders and share their charm with everyone you know!