Inside the White House: Favorite Foods of U.S. Presidents

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Abraham Lincoln: Almond Cake

Abraham Lincoln had a well-known love for simple, homey desserts, and this apple almond cake was a favorite baked by his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and crunchy almonds, this cake is moist, lightly sweet, and perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Mary Todd Lincoln was known for her love of baking, and this apple almond cake was one of Lincoln’s favorite treats. It’s a classic 19th-century dessert that still feels special today!

Ingredients (for 8-10 servings):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• ½ cup chopped almonds (plus extra for topping)
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and almonds. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7. Sprinkle extra chopped almonds on top for added crunch.
8. Bake for 35-40 min., or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 min., then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.