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Pressure Cooker Gluten‑Free Almond Cake - Moist, Tender, and Ready Fast

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) almond flour (finely ground blanched almonds)
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) gluten-free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum, if your blend doesn’t include it, add 1/4 teaspoon)
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (gluten-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) plain yogurt (or sour cream; use dairy-free yogurt if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional but brightens flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water for the pressure cooker
  • Butter or oil for greasing the pan, plus parchment

Instructions

  • Prepare the pan: Grease a 7-inch round cake pan (or similar that fits your pressure cooker). Line the bottom with a parchment circle and grease the parchment. This prevents sticking and keeps the cake surface smooth.
  • Make a foil sling (optional but helpful): Fold a long piece of aluminum foil into a 2-inch-wide strip to lift the pan in and out of the cooker easily.
  • Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk almond flour, gluten-free flour, baking powder, and salt until no clumps remain. This keeps the batter light.
  • Whisk wet ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until slightly thick and pale, about 1 minute. Add melted butter, yogurt, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon zest. Whisk until smooth.
  • Combine: Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small streaks are fine.
  • Fill the pan: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle sliced almonds evenly over the surface if using.
  • Set up the cooker: Pour 1 cup water into the pressure cooker. Place the trivet inside. Set the cake pan on the trivet, using the foil sling if needed.
  • Cook: Seal the lid. Pressure cook on High Pressure for 35 minutes. If your cooker tends to run slightly hot or you’re at high altitude, you may need 2–3 extra minutes.
  • Release: Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure. Carefully lift out the cake.
  • Check doneness: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If underdone, cover with foil and pressure cook 3–5 minutes more with a quick release.
  • Cool: Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edge, invert onto a plate, and peel off parchment. Flip right-side up and let cool completely on a rack.
  • Finish: Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Add berries or a dollop of whipped cream if you like.