Almond Hedgehog Cake with Praline Filling

A Charming Almond Hedgehog Cake with Praline 🐿️✨

If you love nutty, buttery cakes with a touch of whimsy, this almond hedgehog cake is the perfect bake. It’s simple, rustic, and packed with rich almond flavour—from the soft pound-cake base to the velvety praline tucked inside. Finished with crunchy almond “spikes,” it brings a playful look while staying completely sophisticated in taste.

Using everyday ingredients and a straightforward mixing method, this cake is ideal for casual gatherings, weekend baking, or even gifting. The contrast between the soft crumb and the nutty praline makes every slice feel indulgent without being overly sweet.

What Makes This Almond Hedgehog Cake Special 🤎🌰

This recipe leans into classic pound-cake richness with its buttery, tender crumb. The twist comes from the homemade praline—a blend of roasted almonds, piloncillo, and sugar processed into a fragrant, slightly caramelised paste. When piped into the warm cake, it melts into the centre, creating a luscious surprise.

Topping the cake with halved almonds adds both crunch and visual charm. No fancy molds, no complicated shaping—just one small sponge pan and a handful of almonds to bring the hedgehog silhouette to life.

A French-Inspired Almond Cake You’ll Come Back To 🇫🇷💛

Though playful, the profile is decidedly French: toasted nuts, praline, buttery batter. It carries the same spirit as traditional almond pound cakes and praline-based pâtisserie fillings, but in a casual, home-baker-friendly presentation.

The combination of raw sugar, semi-salted butter, and almond praline brings warmth and depth, giving the cake a bakery-quality aroma.

Tips for Best Results 📝✨

• Toast the almonds lightly—the flavour blooms beautifully once blended into praline.
• Pipe the praline while the cake is hot so it melds naturally into the crumb.
• Don’t skip the halved almonds on top—they add both character and texture.
• Let the cake cool before slicing to keep the centre neat and defined.

Perfect for Any Occasion 🎉

Serve it with tea, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a simple afternoon treat. This almond hedgehog cake is comforting, cute, and delicious—everything a good homemade dessert should be.

It’s the kind of bake that makes people smile before they even take a bite.