If you’re looking for a cake that perfectly balances nutty richness with fruity sweetness, this Almond Cherry Cake recipe is an excellent choice. With its soft, moist texture and delightful almond aroma, this cake is a wonderful treat for any occasion. Whether served as a dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a special breakfast, it offers a satisfying blend of flavors.
This Almond Cherry Cake recipe combines the subtle crunch of almonds with the juicy burst of cherries, making every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Almond Cherry Cake
- Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and minimal prep, perfect for beginners.
- Moist and Flavorful – Almond flour, butter, and cherries create a tender, rich texture.
- Versatile – Great as a dessert, snack, or brunch treat, with options for customization.
- Nutritious – Almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while cherries add antioxidants.
- Year-Round Recipe – Works with fresh, frozen, or dried cherries for flexibility.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: 50–55 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredients for the Perfect Almond Cherry Cake
To make this Almond Cherry Cake, you’ll need simple and readily available ingredients. For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) almond flour (for extra moisture and flavor)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk
Add-ins
- 1 cup (150g) fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed, and drained)
- ¼ cup (25g) sliced almonds (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (to coat the cherries and prevent sinking)
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making this delicious cake.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Almond Cherry Cake
Follow these step-by-step instructions to bake a perfectly moist and flavorful Almond Cherry Cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Wash, pit, and halve the cherries. If using frozen cherries, make sure they are fully thawed and drained. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries
- Gently fold in the flour-coated cherries with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and evenly smooth the surface sliced almonds evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake sit in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Your Almond Cherry Cake is now ready to enjoy. In the next section, you’ll find pro tips and variations to make this recipe even better.
Tips and Variations for a Delicious Almond Cherry Cake
Make your Almond Cherry Cake even better with these expert tips and creative variations.
Pro Tips for the Best Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients – Butter, eggs, and milk should be at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
- Prevent cherries from sinking – Tossing them in a little flour helps distribute them evenly throughout the cake.
- Do not overmix – Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If the toothpick comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the cake is done.
- Let it cool completely – This helps the flavors develop and ensures a perfect texture when slicing.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version – Replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk.
- Different Cherries – Try maraschino cherries for a sweeter twist or dried cherries for a chewy texture.
- Citrus Twist – Add lemon or orange zest for a bright, refreshing flavor.
- Chocolate Almond Cherry Cake – Mix in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Almond Glaze – Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
These tips and variations allow you to customize the recipe based on your preferences. Up next, let’s explore how to serve this delicious cake.
How to Serve Your Almond Cherry Cake for the Best Experience
This Almond Cherry Cake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance its flavor and presentation with these serving ideas.
Classic Serving Ideas
- Dust with powdered sugar – A light dusting adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
- Serve with whipped cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the cake’s nutty and fruity flavors.
- Pair with coffee or tea – This cake is perfect as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or herbal tea.
Elevated Presentation
- Top with fresh cherries – Garnish slices with a few fresh cherries for a visually appealing and flavorful touch.
- Add a drizzle of almond glaze – Mix powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk for a simple yet elegant topping.
- Serve warm with ice cream – A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream makes this cake an indulgent dessert.
Occasions to Serve This Cake
- Brunch gatherings – A great addition to any brunch table, especially during cherry season.
- Holidays and celebrations – Its rich almond flavor makes it perfect for Christmas, Easter, or special family gatherings.
- Light summer dessert – Serve chilled for a refreshing and fruity treat during warm weather.
FAQs: Common Questions About Almond Cherry Cake
1. Is it possible to use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the cake. Tossing them in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps distribute them evenly.
2. How do I store the cake, and how long does it last?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
3. Is it possible to make this cake without almond flour?
Yes, you can replace almond flour with the same amount of all-purpose flour, but the cake will have a slightly different texture and a milder almond flavor. To maintain the nutty taste, consider increasing the almond extract slightly.
4. What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free version?
Substitute butter with an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Also, replace regular milk with almond milk or oat milk for a completely dairy-free cake.
5. Why did my cherries sink to the bottom?
Cherries are naturally heavy and can sink if not properly coated. Tossing them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the cake.
6. Can I add other ingredients to this cake?
Absolutely! You can mix in dark chocolate chips, orange zest, or even chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overfill the batter.
Enjoy Your Homemade Almond Cherry Cake!
This Almond Cherry Cake recipe is a perfect blend of nutty richness and fruity sweetness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. With its soft, moist texture and simple preparation, it’s a great recipe for both beginner and experienced bakers.
By following the tips and variations provided, you can easily customize this Almond Cherry Cake recipe to fit different dietary needs and flavor preferences. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast cake, an afternoon snack, or an elegant dessert, this cake is sure to impress.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out for you! Did you make any tweaks or add your own twist? We’d love to hear your variations. And if you enjoyed this cake, don’t forget to share it with friends and family!
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