Are you craving a delicious dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This Cherry Almond Cake is the perfect blend of sweet cherries, crunchy almonds, and a moist, tender cake. It's a fantastic recipe for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, perfect for a casual weeknight treat or a special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe for a truly delightful homemade cake.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup pitted fresh or frozen cherries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
Making the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even leavening throughout the cake.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best for this step. This process incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter cake.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.
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In a small bowl, gently whisk the buttermilk. This helps to prevent lumps in the batter.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
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Gently fold in the cherries and sliced almonds.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it – ovens can vary.
Cooling & Serving:
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar (optional) and serve.
Tips for the Best Cherry Almond Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures proper emulsification and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Fresh vs. Frozen cherries: Both work well! If using frozen cherries, don't thaw them before adding them to the batter.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
Variations:
- Lemon Cherry Almond Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Cherry Almond Cake: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Streusel Topping: Make a streusel topping by combining ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup chopped almonds, and ¼ cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the cake before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: Approximately 15-20g Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This delicious Cherry Almond Cake is a perfect example of a simple yet impressive dessert. Enjoy this easy recipe, a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It's the best recipe for a delightful homemade treat.