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Sweet Cherry Almond Cake Recipe

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4.2 from 234 reviews

A delightful Sweet Cherry Almond Cake featuring fresh Bing cherries, a light almond and lemon-infused batter, and a crisp sugar topping. This cake blends the tartness of cherries with the subtle nuttiness of almond flour, creating a moist, tender dessert perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Cherries

  • 2 Cups (300 grams) Sweet Cherries (Bing variety preferred)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup (113 grams) Unsalted Butter (room temperature) or 1/2 Cup unrefined melted coconut oil + more for greasing the pan
  • 2 Whole Eggs (large, at room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice (about 1/2 a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon Almond Extract (optional)

Dry Ingredients

  • 3/4 Cup (165 grams) Organic Cane Sugar (+ 1.5 tablespoons for sprinkling on top)
  • Lemon Zest (from one lemon)
  • 3/4 Cup (110 grams) All Purpose Flour (unbleached)
  • 1/4 Cup (30 grams) Super Fine Almond Flour (e.g., Bob’s Red Mill)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Grease an 8″ (20 cm) springform or non-stick cake pan with unsalted butter or coconut oil, line the bottom with parchment paper, and grease the parchment. Set aside.
  2. Pit and Slice the Cherries: Using a cherry pitter, pit all cherries. Slice about 1/4 cup into halves and set aside for decorating the top later. Quarter the remaining cherries to fold into the batter.
  3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and position a rack in the center.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar (or Mix Coconut Oil and Sugar): If using butter, beat room temperature butter and sugar in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment at medium speed for 5 minutes until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl. If using coconut oil, whisk melted warm coconut oil and sugar together in a bowl until sugar dissolves and mixture is uniform, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add Flavorings and Eggs: To the sugar and fat mixture, add lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract. Add eggs one at a time, whisking about 10-15 seconds each until fully incorporated. The mixture may look broken; scrape down the bowl thoroughly.
  6. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until no dry flour is visible. The batter will be thick.
  7. Add Cherries to Batter: Gently fold the quartered cherries into the batter with care to distribute evenly.
  8. Assemble Cake: Scrape batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Arrange the halved cherries on top, cut side facing any direction, without pressing them in. Sprinkle 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar over the top for a crisp finish.
  9. Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, the top is golden, and springs back when lightly pressed.
  10. Cool and Remove from Pan: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Run a paring knife around the edges to loosen, then remove the springform pan sides and cool the cake completely on a wire rack.
  11. Serve and Store: Serve plain or topped with sweetened whipped cream or ice cream. Store covered at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Use fresh Bing cherries for best flavor and texture.
  • If coconut oil is substituted for butter, it should be melted and warm but not hot.
  • Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
  • Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better emulsion and rise.
  • Using a springform pan makes cake removal easier without damaging the cake.
  • Sprinkling sugar on top gives a pleasant crunchy texture after baking.
  • The cake can be enjoyed with whipped cream or ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.
  • Store at room temperature; refrigeration is not necessary but can prolong freshness.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American