Genoa Bread

Genoa Bread (aka "pain de Gênes" in French) is a cake with almonds. In fact, almost half its weight is butter and almonds.

The yellow batter is made with butter, eggs and almond paste. Egg whites are whipped for leavening (some versions don't bother beating the egg white.)

Often a small amount of flavouring from an alcohol such as kirsch is added.

The top may have sliced almonds pressed into it, and it can sometimes be found dusted with icing sugar.

Genoa Bread is traditionally made in a "pain de Gênes" pan, which has tall sides.

Cooking Tips for Genoa Bread

Soften the butter, add powdered sugar, add ground almonds, then egg yolks. then add flour and fold in beaten egg whites.

Storage Hints for Genoa Bread

Genoa Bread freezes well-wrapped for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight wrapped in the refrigerator, then unwrap a few hours and let stand on the counter for moisture to evaporate.

History Notes for Genoa Bread

Some say Genoa Bread was first made by a pastry chef named Fauvel who worked at the Chiboust pastry shop in St-Honoré street in Paris in the 1840s. He named it at first "gateau d'ambroise" (Ambrosia Cake.) Later, the cake was called "Gâteau de Gênes", and finally "pain de Gênes".

Language Notes about Genoa Bread

Genoa Bread is sometimes called "Almond Pound Cake" in English.

Recipe Search

Also called:

Pain de Gênes (French)

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