Indulge in the sweet flavors of summer with this delightful cherry cake recipe. Loaded with juicy cherries and topped with a hint of almond, this moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to dessert after a family meal. Follow along to create your own slice of cherry-filled happiness!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
For the Almond Streusel Topping (optional but highly recommended):
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Alternate Mixing:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in Cherries:
- Gently fold the halved cherries into the batter, reserving a few for topping if desired. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Prepare Streusel Topping (optional):
- In a small bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the streusel topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the sliced almonds.
8. Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan. If using, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter.
- Arrange the reserved cherry halves on top of the streusel, pressing them gently into the batter.
9. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the streusel begins to brown too quickly, tent the cake loosely with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
10. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh Cherries: Use fresh cherries when they’re in season for the best flavor and texture. You can also use frozen cherries, but thaw and drain them well before using.
- Sour Cream or Yogurt: These ingredients add moisture and richness to the cake batter. Don’t substitute with low-fat versions for best results.
- Streusel Topping: The almond streusel topping adds a lovely crunch and extra flavor. Feel free to omit it if you prefer a simpler cake.
Enjoy the sweet taste of summer with this delicious cherry cake. Whether you serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to be a hit. Its moist texture and bursts of cherry flavor make it a wonderful treat for any gathering or simply for enjoying at home
Share Your Creations!
If you try this cherry cake recipe, share your photos and tag us on social media. We’d love to see how your cake turns out! Happy baking!
