Almond-Scented White Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbs. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 12 Tbs. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. almond extract
• 1 cup milk
• 5 egg whites, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup raspberry preserves, melted
• Raspberries (optional)
• 1 1/4 cups sliced almonds, lightly toasted and cooled
• 1 lb. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp. almond extract