Jump to Recipe Print RecipeWhile baking one sunny afternoon, the aroma of almonds and cherries mingling in the air whisked me away to a whimsical world. This Cherry Almond Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a delightful escape that combines the nutty warmth of almond flour with vibrant, tangy cherry filling. With its tender layers and a luscious pink almond buttercream, it transforms any gathering into a celebration. One of the best perks? It’s not only a showstopper but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for both novice bakers and seasoned culinary enthusiasts alike. Plus, its stunning appearance ensures you’ll leave a lasting impression on your guests. Get ready to awaken your inner pastry chef—are you curious about how to bring this enchanting cake to life? Why Is This Cake So Special? Delightful Flavor Combo: The marriage of almond and cherry creates an enchanting flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Each bite bursts with the sweetness of cherries intertwined with nutty notes. Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to baking, this Cherry Almond Cake is a breeze. The straightforward instructions guide you through each step with ease—perfect for impressing family and friends without stress. Stunning Presentation: With its charming pink almond buttercream and vibrant cherry filling, this cake is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch your guests ooh and aah! Versatile Twist Options: Want to mix things up? Try adding a layer of chocolate ganache or swapping cherries for raspberries for a delicious twist—your creativity is the limit! Make Ahead Magic: This cake can be refrigerated for just a few days, making it a fabulous option for prepping in advance. Just slice, serve, and enjoy—the taste only gets better! For more delightful baking inspiration, check out other tempting recipes like Moist Strawberry Shortcake and Blueberry Coffee Cake! Cherry Almond Cake Ingredients For the Cherry Filling Dark Sweet Cherries – Fresh or frozen, these provide the core flavor of the filling; thawing frozen cherries slightly enhances their texture. Sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling and cake; adjust according to your taste preferences. Brandy or Water – Enhances the depth of flavor in the filling; water serves as a non-alcoholic substitute. Lemon Juice – Fresh juice adds acidity that beautifully balances the sweetness; it’s best to use fresh lemons. Cornstarch – Thickens the cherry filling; feel free to skip it for a looser consistency. For the Cake Batter Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and moisture; ensure it’s softened for easy mixing. Eggs – Key for structure and moisture in the cake; room temperature eggs blend better. All-Purpose Flour – The base structure of the cake; can be exchanged with gluten-free flour on a 1:1 ratio if necessary. Almond Flour – Adds wonderful nuttiness and texture; can be replaced with more all-purpose flour if desired. Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents for rise; always check for freshness to ensure the best results. Salt – Balances all flavors in the cake; don’t skip this important ingredient. Buttermilk – Ensures softness and moisture; substitute 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tsp of lemon juice for an easy buttermilk alternative. Vegetable Oil – Adds extra moisture to the cake; melted coconut oil can provide an exciting flavor twist. For the Buttercream Frosting Icing Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream and gives it thickness; sifting before mixing can help achieve a finer texture. Heavy Cream – Whipped into the buttercream for smoothness; add gradually for the desired consistency. Almond Extract – Provides that signature almond flavor throughout the buttercream; a must for capturing the essence of the cake. Pink Food Coloring – Optional but adds charming visual appeal; customize the shade to your liking. For Garnishing Maraschino Cherries – Perfect as a decorative topping for your cake; they add a lovely finishing touch to the presentation. Enjoy creating this whimsical Cherry Almond Cake that embodies both flavor and charm! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Almond Cake Step 1: Prepare Cherry Filling In a medium saucepan, combine the dark sweet cherries, sugar, brandy (or water), and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the cherries start to soften and break down. Once thickened slightly, add a cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until bubbling and thick. Remove from heat and let cool completely; this luscious cherry filling will elevate your Cherry Almond Cake. Step 2: Make Cake Batter In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Beat in room temperature eggs one at a time, adding the almond extract as you go. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternately add the dry mix and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Step 3: Bake the Cake Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. Evenly divide the cake batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before flipping onto wire racks to cool completely. Step 4: Prepare Buttercream While the cake layers are cooling, make the buttercream by whipping the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add the icing sugar and heavy cream, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Incorporate the almond extract and pink food coloring until the desired shade and consistency are achieved. Adjust with more cream or sugar as needed for a smooth, spreadable texture; this delightful buttercream will crown your Cherry Almond Cake beautifully. Step 5: Assemble Cake Once the cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter. Spread a generous amount of cherry filling over the top, followed by a layer of the prepared buttercream. Gently place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream. Use a piping bag to create decorative rosettes along the edges, and top the cake with maraschino cherries for a charming finish. Chill for at least 30 minutes to set the layers before serving. Storage Tips for Cherry Almond Cake Fridge: Store leftover Cherry Almond Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This keeps the cake moist while preserving its delightful flavors. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for best results. Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, gently microwave individual portions for about 10-15 seconds. This brings back its freshly-baked joy without compromising the cake’s texture. Serving Temperature: For optimal flavor, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the taste experience for your guests! Cherry Almond Cake Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with your Cherry Almond Cake—your taste buds will thank you for the adventure! Berry Burst: Swap dark sweet cherries for raspberries for a vibrant berry twist. The tartness of raspberries adds a refreshing zing that brightens up the cake! Classic Flavor: Use vanilla extract in place of almond for a more traditional flavor. This gentle switch allows for a comforting, classic taste while still being delightful. Decadent Chocolate: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake layers for rich indulgence. The combination of chocolate and cherries is a match made in dessert heaven. Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a dessert that everyone can enjoy. The taste and texture remain spot-on, making the cake accessible to all. Nut-Free Option: Replace almond flour with an equal amount of more all-purpose flour for those with nut allergies. It will keep the cake lovely and light without compromising flavor. Dairy-Free Delight: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free milk alternative in the batter and frosting. Your cake will turn out rich and indulgent, free from dairy! Extra Moisture: Incorporate mashed bananas into the cake batter for added moisture and a hint of flavor. They provide a delightful tenderness that pairs enticingly with cherries. Fruit Fusion: Mix in some finely diced peaches or apricots along with the cherries for an added layer of sweetness and a seasonal twist. This will redefine the layers of flavor beautifully! As you explore these variations, don’t forget to check out the delightful Moist Strawberry Shortcake for another flavorful baking adventure, or try a Black Velvet Cake for an elegant finish to any meal! Make Ahead Options This Cherry Almond Cake is a fantastic candidate for meal prep, making your life easier during busy weeks! You can prepare the cherry filling up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the cake layers can be baked a day ahead—just cool them completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. To maintain freshness, keep the buttercream separate until you’re ready to assemble. When it’s time to serve, layer the chilled cake with the cherry filling and freshly whipped buttercream, then decorate it with maraschino cherries. Trust me, its delightful flavor will still shine through, giving you beautiful results with minimal effort! What to Serve with Cherry Almond Cake Enhancing your Cherry Almond Cake experience can transform it into a memorable feast for the senses. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a touch of creaminess and balances the cake’s sweetness. It’s the perfect light touch to elevate each slice. Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth and creamy vanilla ice cream provides a wonderful contrast to the rich almond flavors. It melts beautifully between the layers, creating a dreamy combination. Fresh Berries: A medley of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries brings a burst of freshness and color to your dessert plate. Their tartness complements the sweet cherries in the cake nicely. Almond Biscotti: Crunchy almond biscotti adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the soft texture of the cake. Dip them into your favorite coffee or tea for a charming finish. Iced Coffee or Tea: A glass of chilled iced coffee or refreshing iced tea serves as a delightful beverage pairing that compliments the cake’s rich flavors, making your dessert experience more enjoyable. Sparkling Wine: For a special treat, pair your Cherry Almond Cake with a glass of bubbly sparkling wine. The effervescence enhances the cake’s sweetness, making every bite feel like a celebration. Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle warm chocolate ganache over individual slices for an indulgent twist. The rich chocolate plays well with the nutty almond cake and tart cherries, creating a fantasy of flavors. Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Cake Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter, which helps create a tender Cherry Almond Cake. Watch For Doneness: When testing the cake’s doneness, a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, to guarantee it’s perfectly baked. Cooling Layers: Allow your cake layers to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and keeps the design beautiful. Leveling the Cakes: If the tops of your cakes are domed, use a serrated knife to level them before stacking; this helps achieve a neat, even cake. Chill Before Serving: After assembling your cake, chilling it for about 30 minutes will help set the layers and make slicing easier without collapsing. Cherry Almond Cake Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the filling? Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen dark sweet cherries for the filling. If you opt for frozen, make sure to thaw them slightly before using to enhance their texture and flavor. How should I store leftover Cherry Almond Cake? Store any leftover Cherry Almond Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, let it come to room temperature for the best taste experience! Can I freeze the Cherry Almond Cake? How? Yes, you can freeze the Cherry Almond Cake! To do this, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and it’ll be as delightful as when you first baked it! What if my cake sinks in the middle? Very common! If your cake sinks in the middle, it might be due to underbaking or overmixing the batter. Be sure to test doneness with a toothpick—moist crumbs are ideal, but no wet batter should cling to the toothpick. If it’s underbaked, you can return it to the oven for a few more minutes. For future bakes, remember to mix just until combined for a light texture! Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can easily adapt the Cherry Almond Cake to be gluten-free! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The almond flour adds flavor and texture, making it a perfect companion in your gluten-free endeavor! Heavenly Cherry Almond Cake to Satisfy Your Sweet Cravings This Cherry Almond Cake combines almond flour's nutty warmth with vibrant cherry filling for a delightful dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Cherry Filling2 cups Dark Sweet Cherries fresh or frozen0.5 cups Sugar adjust to taste2 tablespoons Brandy or Water for depth of flavor2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh juice preferred1 tablespoon Cornstarch optional for thicker fillingCake Batter0.5 cups Unsalted Butter softened3 large Eggs room temperature2 cups All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour0.5 cups Almond Flour can replace with more all-purpose flour1.5 teaspoons Baking Powder check freshness0.5 teaspoons Baking Soda check freshness0.5 teaspoons Salt1 cups Buttermilk or regular milk with lemon juice0.5 cups Vegetable Oil or melted coconut oilButtercream Frosting4 cups Icing Sugar sifted0.5 cups Heavy Cream gradually added2 teaspoons Almond Extract for flavor1 tablespoon Pink Food Coloring optionalGarnish10 Maraschino Cherries for decoration Equipment medium saucepanlarge mixing bowlelectric mixerWhiskpiping bag2 (9-inch) round cake pansspatulaWire racks Method Prepare Cherry FillingIn a medium saucepan, combine the dark sweet cherries, sugar, brandy (or water), and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes until the cherries start to soften and break down.Once thickened slightly, add a cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly until bubbling and thick. Remove from heat and let cool completely.Make Cake BatterIn a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.Beat in room temperature eggs one at a time, adding the almond extract as you go.In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.Alternately add the dry mix and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.Bake the CakePreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.Evenly divide the cake batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before flipping onto wire racks to cool completely.Prepare ButtercreamWhile the cake layers are cooling, make the buttercream by whipping the softened unsalted butter in a large bowl until fluffy.Gradually add the icing sugar and heavy cream, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud.Incorporate the almond extract and pink food coloring until the desired shade and consistency are achieved.Adjust with more cream or sugar as needed for a smooth, spreadable texture.Assemble CakeOnce the cake layers are fully cooled, place one layer on a serving platter.Spread a generous amount of cherry filling over the top, followed by a layer of the prepared buttercream.Gently place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with remaining buttercream.Use a piping bag to create decorative rosettes along the edges, and top the cake with maraschino cherries.Chill for at least 30 minutes to set the layers before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter. Allow every layer to cool completely before frosting. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
