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
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and position a rack in the center.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cherries to Batter: Gently fold the quartered cherries into the batter with care to distribute evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American