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Homemade Cherry Almond Cake

Homemade Cherry Almond Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the warm, nutty essence of almonds. This cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. With its moist texture and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Why make this recipe?

Making this Cherry Almond Cake is not just about creating a dessert; it’s about creating memories. The combination of juicy cherries and fragrant almond extract creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. Plus, it’s straightforward to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you may already have at home. Whether you serve it at a special event or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to impress!

How to prepare Homemade Cherry Almond Cake

Ingredients:

🍚 1½ cups flour (190g)
🥄 1 teaspoon baking powder
🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt
🧈 ½ cup butter (115g, at room temperature)
🍬 ¾ cup sugar (150g)
🥚 2 large eggs
🌰 1 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
🥛 ½ cup milk (120ml)
🍒 1 cup pitted cherries or sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
🌰 ¼ cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
🍭 Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add eggs and extract: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
Fold in cherries: Gently fold in the pitted cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed in the batter.
Pour and sprinkle: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. If using, sprinkle the sliced almonds on top.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to serve Homemade Cherry Almond Cake

This Cherry Almond Cake is delicious on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat! 🍰☕

How to store Homemade Cherry Almond Cake

To store the cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. ❄️

Tips for preparing Homemade Cherry Almond Cake

Choose ripe cherries: Use fresh or frozen cherries for the best flavor. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them; just fold them into the batter while still frozen.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a better texture.
Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Variations

Nutty twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Different fruits: Substitute cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a fruity twist.
Zest it up: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy flavor boost! 🍊

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Q: How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
A: The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, and the edges start to pull away from the pan.

Enjoy making your Homemade Cherry Almond Cake! 🍒💖