Costco Almond Cake Recipe | Moist, Nutty & Bakery-Style Dessert
If you’ve ever wandered into the Costco bakery section, you know how irresistible their almond cake is. Moist, buttery, and packed with nutty almond flavor, it’s a dessert that keeps you coming back for another slice. I personally love the balance of sweetness and crunch, and that’s precisely what inspired me to create this homemade copycat Costco Almond Cake recipe.
The best part? It uses simple, everyday ingredients, so there is no need to buy fancy or hard-to-find items. With just flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and almonds, you can whip up a bakery-worthy cake right in your kitchen. I also share tips, like toasting the almonds for extra flavor and how to make almond buttercream if you want to take it to the next level.
Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or just a sweet craving, this cake is always a hit.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or bundt pan. This step ensures the cake slides out easily once baked.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Set aside. This keeps the rising agents evenly distributed.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream 1 cup softened butter and 1 ½ cups sugar until pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving your cake that light, Costco-style crumb.
Add the Eggs
Add 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth batter.
Stir in Almond Extract
Mix in 1 tablespoon of almond extract for that signature nutty aroma.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture. Mix just until combined, don’t overmix or the cake will be dense.
Fold in Almonds
Using a spatula, gently fold in ½ cup sliced almonds. This gives a crunchy bite in every slice.
Baking the Almond Cake
Pour and Smooth the Batter
Transfer the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly. If you’d like, sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top for added crunch and presentation.
Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake Properly
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it onto a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents excess moisture buildup and keeps the cake fluffy.
Serving and Decoration
Suggested Toppings
This Costco Almond Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate it:
- Powdered Sugar Dusting – A simple but elegant touch.
- Almond Buttercream Frosting – For a layered, bakery-style finish.
- Extra Toasted Almonds – Sprinkle on top for crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle of Honey or Glaze – Adds moisture and shine.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Serve as a dessert centerpiece at family gatherings or holidays.
- Add fresh berries and whipped cream for a lighter summer version.
This cake has that signature Costco-style richness with a nutty twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Storage Instructions
Keeping Your Almond Cake Fresh
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its moist texture without drying out.
Refrigeration Option
If you live in a warmer climate or want it to last longer, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing the Cake
Yes, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Store for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste.
Costco Almond Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When baking this Costco Almond Cake at home, having the right tools makes the process smooth and stress-free. Here’s what I recommend:- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – To cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, which is key for the cake’s airy texture.
- Mixing Bowls – One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy matters in baking, so measure carefully.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – To fold in almonds gently without overmixing.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan or Bundt Pan – Greased and floured to prevent sticking.
- Wire Cooling Rack – To let the cake cool evenly and avoid a soggy bottom.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester – For checking doneness in the center.
FAQ – Costco Almond Cake Recipe
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but I recommend replacing only part of the flour with almond flour (about ½ to 1 cup). Using all almond flour will make the cake too dense. A mix of all-purpose and almond flour gives the best balance of structure and flavor.
Can I make this almond cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it already contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How do I keep the cake moist?
The secret is not overbaking. Check the cake at the 40-minute mark with a toothpick. Also, please don’t skip the butter; it adds richness and keeps the crumb soft.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for plant-based margarine or vegan butter, and it will still bake up beautifully.
What can I serve with this Costco Almond Cake?
I love serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar, but you can also pair it with fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of almond glaze for extra indulgence.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, double the ingredients and use a larger bundt pan or two 9-inch cake pans. The baking time may increase slightly, so check with a toothpick before removing from the oven.
Why toast the almonds before adding them?
Toasting enhances the nutty flavor and gives the cake that irresistible Costco-style crunch. It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference.
Conclusion
Mastering this Costco Almond Cake Recipe at home means you’ll never have to wait for a Costco trip to enjoy it again. With its rich buttery base, fragrant almond extract, and crunchy almond topping, this cake is the ultimate treat for any occasion.
I love how versatile it is; you can keep it simple with a powdered sugar dusting or go all out with almond buttercream and toppings. Either way, it’s guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Next time you’re craving that bakery-quality flavor, grab your mixing bowl and whip up this copycat Costco Almond Cake. Trust me, one slice won’t be enough!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
