Go Back
To make a delicious Cherry Almond Coffee Cake, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup whole milk - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon almond extract - 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Optional: powdered sugar for dusting Each ingredient plays a key role in creating this delightful cake. The flour gives the cake structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Softened butter helps achieve a rich, tender crumb. Whole milk keeps the cake moist, and eggs provide binding. Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, making the cake rise. Vanilla and almond extracts infuse the batter with sweet, nutty flavors. Cherries add a burst of juicy sweetness, while sliced almonds add a crunchy texture. The salt balances the flavors, enhancing the overall taste. You can dust the finished cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. This cake is not just tasty; it’s a feast for the eyes too! Each bite is a mix of sweet cherries and nutty almonds, making it a memorable treat for any occasion. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan. - First, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Use a mixer and mix for 3 to 4 minutes. - Next, add eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. - In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients well. - Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, alternating with milk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. - Gently fold in the halved cherries using a spatula. Ensure they are evenly spread throughout. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer. - Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top for a crunchy finish. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. - Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This process makes a cherry almond coffee cake that is moist and full of flavor. You can also dust it with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Enjoy the delightful taste! To get the best texture in your coffee cake, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients blend. This keeps the cake soft and light. Also, pay attention to how you soften the butter. I recommend letting it sit at room temperature. It should be soft but not melted. This helps create that fluffy batter we want. To boost the flavor, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with cherries and almonds. They add warmth and depth. Using quality extracts is also key. Always choose pure vanilla and almond extracts. They will give your cake a rich and true flavor. A simple dusting of powdered sugar can make your cake look fancy. Just sprinkle it on top before serving. It adds a nice touch and sweetness. Consider garnishing with fresh mint leaves. They add color and a fresh taste. Place a few leaves next to your cake slices for a beautiful look. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries will provide the best flavor and texture for this coffee cake. If using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps in achieving a light and fluffy batter when creaming the butter and sugar. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so be gentle! Cool on a Wire Rack: Allowing the cake to cool on a wire rack prevents moisture from building up at the bottom, ensuring a perfectly textured cake. {{image_4}} You can switch cherries for other fruits. Blueberries and raspberries work great. These berries add a pop of color and flavor. They keep the cake moist and tasty. Try mixing different fruits for a fun twist. You can even use peaches or plums. Each fruit brings its own unique taste to the cake. Adding chocolate or coconut can change the game. Chocolate chips give a rich, sweet taste. You can mix in about half a cup for a nice surprise. Shredded coconut adds a chewy texture and a tropical vibe. Just use about a third of a cup. This combo makes the cake even more delicious. Feel free to experiment with other flavors you love! If you need a gluten-free cake, don't worry. You can use gluten-free flour blends. These blends often work well in recipes. Just swap the all-purpose flour for the gluten-free mix. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Your cake will still be moist and tasty. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake! To keep your Cherry Almond Coffee Cake moist, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the cake in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, place it in the fridge. Just remember, cold air can dry it out, so wrap it tightly. To freeze the cake, start by letting it cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps keep the cake fresh and easy to grab. When you want to enjoy a piece, take it out and let it thaw. Place it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Enjoy the delicious taste as if it were just baked! If you want to replace almonds, you can try walnuts or pecans. Both add a nice crunch. You can also skip nuts for a nut-free cake. Just remember, the flavor will change slightly. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time! Bake it and let it cool. Wrap it well in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. You can also keep it in the fridge for a few more days. To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just thaw and drain them first. This helps keep the cake from getting too watery. They will taste great in the cake. The cake will last about five days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and moist for longer. This cake recipe brings together simple ingredients for a delightful treat. You learned how to make a cherry almond cake from start to finish. I shared tips to enhance flavor and achieve the perfect texture. You also saw fun variations to try, along with storage tips to enjoy leftovers. Baking is an adventure, so embrace your creativity and enjoy every bite! Your new dessert is sure to impress.

Cherry Almond Coffee Cake

A delightful coffee cake featuring cherries and almonds, perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3 4 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
  • 1 2 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • optional Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Incorporate the eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until evenly mixed.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.
  • Carefully fold the halved cherries into the batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer.
  • Sprinkle the sliced almonds generously over the top of the batter for added crunch and flavor.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  • Once baked, allow the coffee cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which will help prevent sogginess on the bottom.
  • If desired, once the cake has cooled, lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and elegant presentation before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve slices of cake on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh cherries and a sprig of mint for an attractive touch.
Keyword almond, cherry, coffee cake, dessert