Almond Apricot Coffee Cake

1 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
8 ounces (1 cup) sour cream
1 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup slivered almonds, divided
1 (10 to 12 ounce) jar apricot preserves

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream and almond extract; mix well.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Spread half of the batter in a greased and floured 12-cup fluted tube pan. Sprinkle with half of the almonds. Spread half of the preserves to within 1/2 inch of the edges. Cover with remaining batter. Spoon remaining preserves over batter to within 1/2 inch of edges. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55 to 60 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Carefully invert onto a serving platter.