Cherry Almond Cake

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Cherry Almond Cake

Cherry Almond Cake is a delightful dessert that beautifully combines the sweet and tart nuances of cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almond. This cake embodies the essence of home baking—warm, comforting, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. The moment you slice into this cake, you’re greeted by vibrant red specks of cherries nestled within a fluffy, moist crumb. Topped with a luscious pink almond-buttercream frosting, it creates a visual and flavorful feast that’s irresistible. Whether for a birthday celebration or an afternoon tea, this recipe is worth making not just for taste but for the joy it brings to the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Almond Cake recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s wonderfully easy to prepare! With a minimal list of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll find that it’s feasible even for beginner bakers. The cake’s light texture and delightful flavor make it the perfect option for family gatherings or a special treat for your loved ones. Plus, the vibrant cherries not only add a touch of beauty but also result in a scrumptious flavor that’s hard to resist. You’ll appreciate that it’s quick to whip up, letting you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying coffee and conversations.

Ingredients for Cherry Almond Cake

To create this dreamy Cherry Almond Cake, gather the following vibrant and flavorful ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to a creamy texture
• 1 cup granulated sugar, adding sweetness and moisture
• 2 large eggs, essential for binding
• 1 teaspoon almond extract, for that nutty fragrance
• 1/2 cup milk, ensuring a moist crumb
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped for bursts of flavor
• Pink almond-buttercream frosting, for a stunning finishing touch

Step-by-Step Directions for Cherry Almond Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly. Grease and flour a round cake pan to prevent sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for creating a well-balanced, fluffy cake.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, ensuring a soft texture. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

4. Add Flavor: Stir in the almond extract to infuse the batter with a lovely, fragrant flavor.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture alternating with the milk. This method helps to maintain a smooth batter without over-mixing.

6. Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. You want to keep the mixture airy while distributing the cherries throughout the batter.

7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top for an even bake.

8. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool and Frost: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting with your pink almond-buttercream.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cherry Almond Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature for better mixing.

• Chop Cherries Uniformly: Take your time to chop the cherries into even pieces to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the batter.

• Folding Technique: When folding in the cherries, use a gentle technique to avoid deflating the batter too much.

• Almond Extract Substitutes: In a pinch, you can use vanilla extract if almond isn’t on hand. However, it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

• Flavor Infusions: Consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus twist.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Present your Cherry Almond Cake with flair! Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the cake’s cherry sweetness. For a beverage pairing, consider serving it with a light floral tea or a refreshing lemonade that complements the flavors without overpowering them. It also makes a lovely breakfast item served alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Nutritional Information

This Cherry Almond Cake provides a delightful indulgence. A slice can contain around 300-350 calories, depending on the size and frosting. It’s a treat best enjoyed in moderation, considering the butter and sugar content. You might also find it interesting that almonds contain healthy fats, and cherries provide antioxidants—making your dessert a little less guilty!

Storing Tips & Variations for Cherry Almond Cake

If you have leftovers—though you might not!—store the Cherry Almond Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend its freshness, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

For those looking to mix things up, try swapping the cherries for blueberries or raspberries. You can also incorporate some chopped nuts for added texture or replace the almond extract with lemon extract for a zesty variation of this classic cake.

Conclusion for Cherry Almond Cake

This Cherry Almond Cake embodies comfort and celebration in every bite. Its enchanting flavors and easy preparation make it a must-try. Why wait? Dive into this delightful recipe today and create a beautiful dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!

FAQs

1. Can I make the cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum for the best texture.

2. How can I make the cake moist?
Ensure you do not overbake! Checking the cake a few minutes early can help maintain its moisture. Using room temperature ingredients also aids in keeping it fluffy.

3. What can I use instead of maraschino cherries?
If you prefer a more natural option, fresh or frozen cherries can be substituted. Just be sure to pitter and chop them beforehand.

4. Can I prepare the cake batter in advance?
It’s best to bake the cake batter immediately after mixing, but if you must, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before baking.

5. Is this cake suitable for decorating?
Absolutely! The Cherry Almond Cake serves as a beautiful base for various decorations. You can enhance it with fruits or edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece!

Cherry Almond Cake

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Pin Recipe

A delightful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almond, topped with pink almond-buttercream frosting.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
• Pink almond-buttercream frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Stir in the almond extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.
6. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool before frosting with the pink almond-buttercream.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Consider using fresh cherries or other fruit variations.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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