Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting
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Let’s bake something truly special together—Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting! This cake has a lovely balance of cherry sweetness and almond richness that takes me right back to my childhood. It’s super moist and light, making it perfect for any occasion. With just a quick 20 minutes of prep, you can have this beauty in the oven in no time. Plus, the addition of Antioxidant Solutions Tart Cherry Juice not only enhances the flavor but adds a lovely twist to your baking adventures. Trust me, you’ll want to make this cake for all your gatherings!
Why You’ll Love Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of cherries and almonds creates a nostalgic flavor that’s both unique and comforting, making every bite a delight.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep, this cake is perfect for those busy days when you want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the cherries, this cake stays incredibly moist, ensuring it’s light yet satisfying—ideal for any dessert lover.
- Impressive Presentation: The stunning almond frosting and vibrant cherry filling make this cake a showstopper, perfect for impressing guests at gatherings.
- Fun to Bake Together: This recipe is great for baking with friends or family, turning a simple kitchen activity into a memorable bonding experience.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Gluten-free or all-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Kosher salt
- Sugar
- Butter
- Almond extract or vanilla extract
- Egg whites
- Antioxidant tart cherry juice
- Milk
- Maraschino cherries
- Almond frosting ingredients
- Powdered sugar
- Heavy cream
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
How To Make Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting
- Preheat the oven and prepare your cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and set aside.
- Whip the egg whites until fluffy in a separate bowl.
- Cream together the butter and sugar, then add the extracts, cherry juice, and milk.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then gently fold in the whipped egg whites and cherries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake until done.
- Make the almond frosting by mixing the ingredients until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake layers and enjoy!
Commonly Asked Questions
How should I store Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting?
To keep your Cherry Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it to extend its freshness. Just make sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! This cake freezes well. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
While maraschino cherries add a unique flavor and color, you can definitely substitute fresh cherries. Just pit and chop them before adding them to the batter. Keep in mind that fresh cherries may change the cake’s texture slightly but will still taste delicious!
What can I do if the almond frosting is too thick?
If you find your almond frosting is thicker than you’d like, simply add a little more heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Mix it well until smooth, and you’ll have the perfect frosting for your cake!
How can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for a day or two. Frost the cake just before serving to keep the frosting looking fresh and fluffy.
What if I don’t have almond extract?
If you’re out of almond extract, vanilla extract makes a great substitute. While it will alter the flavor slightly, it will still create a delicious frosting that complements the cherry cake beautifully.
Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (small, medium, and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 ¾ cups 1.1 GF or all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 1 cup butter room temperature
- 1 tsp almond extract or substitute vanilla extract
- 8 egg whites
- 1 cup Antioxidant Tart Cherry Juice
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries sliced in half
Almond Frosting
- 1 ½ cups butter room temperature
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick baking spray.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
Whip the Egg Whites:
- In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites on high speed until firm peaks form. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In another large bowl, beat the sugar and butter on high speed for 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the almond (or vanilla) extract, cherry juice, and milk, mixing until well combined.
Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped egg whites and the chopped maraschino cherries, keeping the batter light and airy.
Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Almond Frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 3 tbsp of heavy cream. Beat until smooth, adding more heavy cream if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Assemble:
- Frost the cooled cake layers with the almond frosting.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
This Cherry Cake with Almond Frosting is sure to become a favorite at any gathering. I love how the flavors of cherries and almonds come together, creating a delightful and nostalgic treat. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, this cake never fails to impress. I can’t wait to see what you think when you give it a try!
This cake is amazing! My family keeps raving about it. My sister asked if I could make it for her birthday. The only thing I changed was I only used 4 cups of confectionery sugar in the frosting recipe. Thank you so much for this delicious recipe