Cherry Almond Cake Recipe
This delightful Cherry Almond Cake combines moist cake layers infused with almond extract and a luscious cherry buttercream frosting made from maraschino cherries. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, the cake features a tender crumb with a rich, creamy frosting that’s both fruity and nutty.
- Author: Kai
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (2 sticks)
- 4 teaspoons almond extract
- 1 cup sour cream
Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter, softened (2 1/2 sticks)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8–10 maraschino cherries, slightly chopped
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray two 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside to prepare for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mix aside.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: Using an electric or stand mixer at medium speed, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for 2 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.
- Add Butter and Almond Extract: With the mixer on low speed, add softened butter and almond extract to the egg mixture, beating for about 1 minute until well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cake texture.
- Add Sour Cream: Beat in the sour cream until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be thick.
- Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly into the prepared pans, filling each about halfway. Bake for 23 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack before frosting.
- Make Cherry Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds until creamy and smooth.
- Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually mix in powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, maraschino cherry juice, and the chopped maraschino cherries. Beat on high speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add additional heavy cream if needed to achieve spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting over it. Top with the second cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the sides and top of the cake. Chill in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Final Frosting Layer: After chilling, apply a final thick and even layer of frosting around the entire cake. Smooth as desired and serve.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture in both cake and frosting.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Chilling the cake with the crumb coat helps achieve a smoother final frosting layer.
- Additional heavy cream may be added to the frosting for desired spreading consistency.
- Use fresh maraschino cherries and juice to maximize cherry flavor in the frosting.
Keywords: Cherry Almond Cake, almond extract cake, cherry buttercream, maraschino cherry frosting, layered cake dessert