Introduction:
Indulging in a homemade dessert is one of life’s simple pleasures, and if you’re a fan of the delightful combination of cherries and almonds, then you’re in for a treat! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making a scrumptious Cherry Almond Cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of desserts.
Ingredients:
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delectable treat:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sour cream
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Almond Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- Sliced almonds for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer.
- In a small saucepan, combine the pitted and halved cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice for the cherry filling. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly.
- Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the first layer of batter.
- Drop the remaining batter by spoonfuls over the cherry filling, spreading it out gently to cover the cherries.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the almond glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the almond glaze over the top and sprinkle with sliced almonds for a decorative touch.
- Slice, serve, and savor the delightful combination of sweet cherries and nutty almonds in every bite.
Conclusion:
Making a Cherry Almond Cake is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a wonderful way to treat yourself and your loved ones. With its moist and flavorful layers, this cake is perfect for any occasion or even as a sweet pick-me-up during your coffee break. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and embark on a journey to create a scrumptious Cherry Almond Cake that will undoubtedly become a household favorite. Enjoy!