In Spain, Christmas is a time filled with rich culinary traditions, and one of the beloved treats that find its way to holiday tables is the Tarta De Santiago, or Santiago Almond Cake. This sweet and moist almond cake is not only a delicious dessert but also a symbol of the beautiful Spanish region of Galicia. With a history dating back centuries, this festive cake is perfect for adding a touch of Spanish flair to your Christmas celebrations. The Tarta De Santiago is not only visually stunning with its iconic powdered sugar cross on top but also a delight to the taste buds with its rich almond flavor.
### Tarta De Santiago Santiago Almond Cake
**Ingredients:**
– 1 1/2 cups blanched almonds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan.
2. In a food processor, pulse the blanched almonds until finely ground but be careful not to turn them into almond butter. Set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and eggs until creamy and pale in color.
4. Add the melted butter, lemon zest, orange zest, almond extract, and salt to the egg mixture. Mix until well combined.
5. Gradually fold in the ground almonds, stirring gently until you have a smooth batter with no visible lumps.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake the Tarta De Santiago in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once the cake has cooled, place a St. James cross template (or a stencil of your choice) on top of the cake and dust generously with confectioners’ sugar to create the iconic cross pattern.
10. Slice the Tarta De Santiago into wedges and serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful Christmas treat that will transport you to the flavors of Spain.
This Tarta De Santiago Santiago Almond Cake captures the essence of Spanish hospitality and warmth, making it a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. The simplicity of this recipe belies the rich and nutty flavor that will have your guests asking for more. Whether enjoyed as a sweet finish to a festive meal or as a cozy snack on a cold winter day, this traditional Spanish treat is sure to bring a touch of Christmas magic to your home. Enjoy the flavors and traditions of Spain with this delightful Tarta De Santiago Santiago Almond Cake!
