How to Make a Delicious Almond Cherry Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

Almond cherry cake, a delightful treat combining the nutty richness of almonds with the bright tang of cherries, is easier to bake than you might think. This recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a perfectly moist and flavorful cake every time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic dessert.

The Perfect Blend of Nutty and Fruity

This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The moist, tender crumb gets a delightful crunch from the almonds, while the juicy cherries add bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 cup chopped cherries (fresh or frozen)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Tools of the Trade

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Toothpick
• Wire rack

Baking Your Almond Cherry Cake to Perfection

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Lining it with parchment paper can make removing the cake easier later.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed for a cake that rises beautifully.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This creates air pockets in the batter, resulting in a lighter cake.

4. Incorporate Eggs and Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the almond extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the cake tough.

6. Fold in Almond Flour and Cherries: Gently fold in the almond flour and chopped cherries. This ensures they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

The Finishing Touch: Almond Glaze

1. Whisk: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, almond milk, and almond extract until smooth.
2. Drizzle: Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Tips for Baking Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, allows them to emulsify better, resulting in a smoother batter and a more evenly textured cake.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense and chewy cake instead of a tender crumb.
• Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures can vary, so it’s essential to check the cake for doneness early. If it’s browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

FAQs About Almond Cherry Cake

Can I use a different type of cherry?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for fresh or frozen cherries, you can experiment with other varieties like Morello cherries, which offer a slightly tarter flavor. For a unique twist, try dried cherries, but remember to rehydrate them in warm water before adding them to the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Make the glaze just before serving.

A Taste of Pure Delight

This almond cherry cake is a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Its simple elegance is sure to impress, and the delicious combination of almond and cherry will leave everyone wanting more.

Slice of almond cherry cake with glaze drizzled on top

Mixing ingredients for almond cherry cake in a bowl

Enjoy baking and savoring every bite! Don’t forget to share your baking experience and tag us in your creations! And if you love exploring different cake variations, check out our recipes for Kirsch Torte and Morello Cherry Cake. Happy baking!