Vanilla Almond Cream Cake

**For the Frosting:**
– **1 cup unsalted butter**, softened
– **2 cups powdered sugar**
– **1/4 cup heavy cream**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1/2 teaspoon almond extract**
– **Pinch of salt**

### How to Make Vanilla Almond Cream Cake

#### Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
– **Preheat your oven** to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
– In a large bowl, whisk together the **all-purpose flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**. Set aside.
– In a separate bowl, beat the **butter** and **granulated sugar** together using an electric mixer on medium speed for about **3-4 minutes**, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
– **Add the eggs** one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla** and **almond extracts**.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in **three parts**, alternating with the **buttermilk** and **whole milk**, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

#### Step 2: Bake the Cake
– Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
– Bake for about **25-30 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for about **10 minutes**, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Frosting
– In a large mixing bowl, beat the **butter** on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about **2-3 minutes**.
– Gradually add the **powdered sugar**, one cup at a time, and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
– Add the **heavy cream**, **vanilla extract**, **almond extract**, and a **pinch of salt**. Beat on high speed for about **3-4 minutes**, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency.

#### Step 4: Assemble the Cake
– Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer.
– Carefully place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
– For an extra touch of elegance, you can decorate the cake with **sliced almonds**, **fresh berries**, or a dusting of **powdered sugar**.

#### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
– Allow the cake to sit for a few minutes before slicing to let the frosting set. Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat.

### Tips for Perfect Vanilla Almond Cream Cake

1. **Room Temperature Ingredients**: Make sure that your **butter**, **eggs**, **milk**, and **buttermilk** are all at room temperature before you begin. This will help them combine more smoothly and lead to a fluffier texture in the cake.
2. **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to prevent the cake from becoming dense.
3. **Use Fresh Almond Extract**: Almond extract adds a distinctive flavor to the cake, so be sure to use **fresh, high-quality almond extract** for the best taste.
4. **Chill the Frosting**: If the frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help it firm up before frosting the cake.
5. **Decorate with Almonds**: **Toasted sliced almonds** or even whole almonds make a beautiful and delicious topping, complementing the almond flavor in the cake.

### Why You’ll Love Vanilla Almond Cream Cake

– **Perfectly Balanced Flavor**: The **vanilla** and **almond** flavors harmonize perfectly, creating a light, aromatic taste that isn’t overwhelming but still flavorful.
– **Moist and Fluffy**: Thanks to the **buttermilk** and **creamy frosting**, the cake stays moist and fluffy with every bite.
– **Impressive Yet Easy**: The cake looks elegant enough for any special occasion, but it’s straightforward enough for a home baker to make with ease.
– **Customizable**: If you want to take the flavor up a notch, try adding a layer of **fruit preserves** or **chocolate ganache** between the cake layers.

### Conclusion: A Timeless Dessert for All Occasions

The **Vanilla Almond Cream Cake** is a timeless dessert that combines the comforting flavors of vanilla and almond with the richness of a buttery cream frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply treating yourself, this cake is the perfect choice for any occasion. Light, fluffy, and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.