Instructions

1. 1
   Cream the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl to make sure everything is well-incorporated.
2. 2
   Whisk together the eggs and vanilla. Gradually beat the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture. If you add too much of the eggs at once, the batter may curdle.
3. 3
   Mix in the almond meal on low speed.
4. 4
   Fold the flour into the batter until it is well-incorporated. Do not over-mix the batter at this stage, as it may make the cake overly tough.
5. 5
   Line the bottom of an 8 or 9-inch square cake pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment and the sides of the pan.
6. 6
   Transfer the batter to the pan. Smooth the top.
7. 7
   Bake at 350°F (180°C) until golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The time will vary depending on your oven and pan size, but start checking the cake after about 30 minutes.
8. 8
   Cool the cake in the pan. Use a knife to loosen the sides of the cake from the pan, if necessary. Unmold the cake from the pan, and peel off the parchment if it is attached to the cake.
9. 9
   If desired, sprinkle the top of the cake with powdered sugar.