Have you ever wondered why some cherry cakes taste bland while others burst with vibrant flavor? The secret lies not in complicated techniques, but in the perfect balance of ingredients and preparation methods that bring out the natural sweetness of cherries and the nutty depth of almonds.
This Cherry Almond Cake recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert that’s impressive enough for special occasions yet easy enough for weekend baking. The combination of tart cherries and sweet almond creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and comforting.
Ingredients List
Gather these high-quality ingredients to ensure your cake achieves that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive taste profile of this beloved cherry almond dessert.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup almond flour (adds moisture and rich nutty flavor)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (substitute with 3/4 cup milk + 2 tsp lemon juice)
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or 1 1/2 cups frozen, thawed and drained)
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Timing
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes for measuring, mixing, and preparing cherries – 15% faster if using pre-pitted frozen cherries.
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes, with an additional 10 minutes if your oven tends to run cool.
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes minimum before glazing.
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes from start to finish – still 30 minutes quicker than most traditional fruit cakes that require extensive fruit preparation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to create a Cherry Almond Cake that’s perfectly balanced in texture and flavor. Each step builds on the previous one to ensure optimal results.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan, or line with parchment paper. For even baking, position your rack in the center of the oven where heat distribution is most consistent.
Step 2: Pit and Prepare the Cherries
If using fresh cherries, pit them carefully and slice in half. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your cake soggy. Toss with 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking during baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This pre-mixing ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen cake.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step – proper creaming incorporates air that makes your cake tender and light.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Extracts
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in the almond and vanilla extracts. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but this is normal.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (3 additions of dry, 2 of buttermilk). Mix just until combined after each addition to avoid overworking the gluten.
Step 7: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the prepared cherries using a spatula. Reserve a few for topping if desired. This gentle folding preserves the air bubbles in your batter for a lighter texture.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place any reserved cherries on top, pressing slightly into the batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Prepare Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth to create your glaze.
Step 10: Finish and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle with the almond glaze and sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving for a more polished presentation.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional profile of this Cherry Almond Cake helps you make informed choices about portion sizes and dietary considerations. One serving (1/12 of cake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320 per slice
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 26g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Potassium: 180mg
Cherries provide a significant source of antioxidants and vitamin C, while almonds contribute heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E. This cake contains 20% more protein than typical fruit cakes due to the almond flour content.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this indulgent treat into a more nutritious option with these smart substitutions that maintain the cake’s delicious flavor profile:
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase fiber content by approximately 30% per serving. Alternatively, use almond flour for a lower-carb, gluten-free option.
Reduce sugar to 3/4 cup and add 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for natural sweetness. This cuts approximately 20 calories per slice while maintaining moisture.
Substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt (1/4 cup) to reduce saturated fat content by 25% while adding protein and calcium.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice instead of buttermilk.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your cherry almond cake experience with these creative serving ideas that complement its distinctive flavor profile:
For an elegant dessert presentation, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese.
Create a brunch-worthy treat by toasting slices lightly and serving with a drizzle of honey and fresh berries on the side.
For afternoon tea, cut into smaller squares and dust with powdered sugar instead of glaze for a lighter finish that pairs beautifully with Earl Grey or almond tea.
Transform leftover cake into a trifle by layering cubes with cherry compote and whipped cream for a stunning dessert that tastes even better the next day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: Room temperature eggs, butter, and buttermilk blend more smoothly and trap more air, resulting in a 15% increase in cake volume compared to cold ingredients.
- Overmixing the batter: This develops gluten, making your cake tough rather than tender. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are incorporated.
- Skipping the cherry preparation: Not patting cherries dry or tossing with flour can result in a soggy cake with sunken fruit.
- Opening the oven door too early: This causes temperature fluctuations that can lead to uneven rising or sinking. Wait until at least 30 minutes have passed before checking.
- Glazing while warm: Applying glaze to a warm cake will cause it to melt and be absorbed rather than creating that attractive finish on top.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize freshness and flavor with these storage recommendations tailored specifically for cherry almond cake:
Room Temperature: Store unglazed or glazed cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The almond flour helps retain moisture longer than traditional cakes.
Refrigerator: Extend shelf life to 5-7 days by refrigerating. Bring slices to room temperature before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and glaze before serving.
Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Conclusion
This cherry almond cake strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and sophisticated flavor. The combination of tart cherries and aromatic almond creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, suitable for any occasion from casual family gatherings to more formal celebrations.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos, variations, or questions in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this cherry almond creation, be sure to check out our other fruit-based desserts that showcase seasonal produce at its finest.
