Easy Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Cream

Name: Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Cream
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 recipe Italian Pastry Cream (Crema Pasticcera); 2 eggs (room temperature); ½ cup granulated sugar (75 grams ); ½ cup plain whole milk yogurt; ¼ cup non flavored oil such as avocado or canola (60 grams ); ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 pinch salt; 1 cup flour (150 grams ); 2 tablespoons cornstarch; butter or oil for greasing the pan; powdered sugar for dusting the top

By Elena

Updated May 07, 2025, Published Jun 19, 2021

Jump to Recipe Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Soft Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Pastry Cream and Berries. EASY one bowl almond cake that bakes in 15 minutes!

The texture of this cake is light and fluffy with a sweet almond flavor. In Italy we call this type of dessert “crostata morbida” or “soft crust pie”. A crostata is an open-faced fruit tart with a variety of fillings.

Typically the crust has a harder crumb like a biscuit cookie. This crostata is soft and resembles a sponge cake.

Why I love this recipe

The sponge cake bounces back it is so delicate! I love any dessert with almond flavoring. It adds an unexpected depth that makes it unique. This almond cake is filled with our famous Italian Pastry Cream (Crema Pasticcera) Recipe and topped with loads of fresh fruit. It is perfect for any season!

I am sure you will be the favorite if you show up with this dessert in hand the next time you are invited to dinner. You can also make a chocolate version! with chocolate pastry cream.

Slice of Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Pastry Cream and Berries next to the rest of the cake.

Ingredients
Equipment
Easy One Bowl Cake Recipe
What Fruits Pair well with this Almond Cake?
Variations
Topping Ideas
Can I make Italian Almond Cake Ahead of Time
Serving Suggestions
Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Cream Recipe

Ingredients

This easy cake requires a few simple ingredients for a classic Italian dessert.

Eggs
Granulated sugar
Plain whole milk yogurt
Non flavored oil such as canola*
Almond extract
Baking soda
Pinch of salt
All purpose flour
Corn starch
Butter or oil for greasing the pan

See quantities in recipe card.

Equipment

Here is the pan I use to achieve the space in the middle to add room for the filling. This pan is great if you like to bake desserts with a pre-baked crust with filling. I highly recommend buying one since you can use it for different desserts.

If you want to make the sponge cake without this pan use a standard 9 or 11 inch round cake or tart pan. You can serve the cream and berries on the side or on top. It won’t look as pretty, but it will still taste DELICIOUS.

Purchase the Formed Pan.

Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Pastry Cream and Berries topped with powdered sugar.

Easy One Bowl Cake Recipe

There are only a few pantry staples for this simple almond cake recipe. It easily mixes together in one bowl and only requires about 15 minutes of baking time. It is a simple and delicious Italian almond cake.

This easy cake is so flavorful and moist, you’d never guess it’s so simple to make at home! You’ll fall in love with this cake at first bite.

One of my favorite things about this cake (besides how easy it is to prepare) is that it’s perfect for any time of day. It’s not only a wonderful dessert, but also makes a great breakfast treat as well.

It is light and moist and not overly sweet, with an amazing almond flavor that perfectly complements a hot cuppa coffee or tea.

What Fruits Pair well with this Almond Cake?

I love fresh berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries, with this cake in the summer time! The sky is the limit as far as fresh fruit variations you can add on top. You can try:

Bananas
Figs
Cherries
Apricots
Peaches
Pears

Find a seasonal fruit that you love and add try it! I would not recommend hard fruits such as apples.

You can also serve this with our Blueberry Sauce Topping!

Variations

Add a little almond paste (1 tablespoon) in the pastry cream to add more almond flavor.
If you are gluten free you can try using almond flour (the texture and taste will change a lot). I have not tried this, but a few readers told me it works!
Use sour cream instead of yogurt. This will change the flavor slightly, but it is still delicious.

More recipes to try with similar flavors: St. Lucia Sweet Saffron Rolls (almond filling), Italian Classic Almond Biscotti Recipe (Cantucci), Flourless Almond Cake, and Poppy Seed Cake with Orange Almond Vanilla Glaze.

Topping Ideas

I love the beautiful and simple toppings of fresh berries and Italian pastry cream. Here are a few ideas that make a great addition:

Freshly whipped cream
Orange zest
Lemon zest
Sliced almonds

Can I make Italian Almond Cake Ahead of Time

Yes! This cake will stay delicious when stored in an airtight container on the counter or in the fridge for several days. When you are ready to serve the cake add your desired topping and serve.

Serving Suggestions

This light cake recipe makes the perfect dessert after Authentic Neapolitan Pizza. Serve with a pear gorgonzola salad and enjoy a tasty Italian meal. If you love Italian desserts you must try: Classic Italian Tiramisu Recipe (Authentic).

From My Cucina to Your Table. Mangia! Mangia! (Eat!)

Made with Amore, Elena

More Delicious Desserts for YOU

Frozen Lemon Dessert (Creamy Lemony Treat)

Vanilla Cake Roll with Cream and Berries

Heavenly Angel Food Cake (Strawberries and Cream)

Easy Italian Pear Cake (Torta con le Pere) Easy

Rustic Blueberry Galette- Best Recipe Flaky Crust

flan recipe

Easy Crostata di Frutta

Slice of Almond Sponge Cake with Italian Pastry Cream and Berries missing a bite.

This surprisingly easy and delicious almond sponge cake with Italian Cream is the perfect show stopping dessert!

💙 MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💙 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love connecting with you! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Pinterest.