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Cherry Almond Cake Recipe

4.7 from 103 reviews

Delightfully moist and flavorful Cherry Almond Cake featuring a tender cake infused with almond extract and topped with a luscious cherry buttercream frosting made from maraschino cherries and cherry juice. Perfect for celebrations or any special occasion, this cake combines the classic almond and cherry flavors into a beautifully frosted dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 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 Ingredients

  • 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
  • 810 maraschino cherries, slightly chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray two 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside to prepare for batter.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt. Set aside.
  3. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the eggs and granulated sugar together for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and creamy in texture.
  4. Add Butter and Almond Extract: To the egg and sugar mixture, add the softened butter and almond extract. Beat on low speed for approximately 1 minute until the butter is well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet batter using low speed to avoid over mixing. Mix just until combined and no large flour streaks remain.
  6. Add Sour Cream: Beat in the sour cream thoroughly until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be thicker than standard cake batters.
  7. Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, filling each about halfway. Bake in the preheated 350°F oven for 23-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the cakes cool in the pans on a wire rack.
  8. Prepare Cherry Buttercream Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed with an electric mixer for 30 seconds until creamy and smooth.
  9. Add Frosting Ingredients: Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and the maraschino cherries. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat for 3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy. Adjust consistency by adding more heavy cream if needed for spreading.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous thick layer of frosting over it. Top with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat layer of frosting.
  11. Chill to Set: Place the frosted cake in the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up the frosting and make it easier to apply the final layer.
  12. Final Frosting Layer: Remove from freezer and apply one final thick, even layer of frosting around the outside and over the top of the cake. Decorate as desired before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is softened properly to room temperature for easy mixing in both batter and frosting.
  • Do not over mix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense or tough cake.
  • Chilling the cake between frosting layers helps achieve a clean, polished finish.
  • If you prefer, substitute almond extract with vanilla extract for a milder flavor.
  • Maraschino cherry juice adds moisture and cherry flavor to the frosting, enhancing the cake’s overall taste profile.

Keywords: cherry almond cake, almond cake, cherry buttercream frosting, maraschino cherry cake, homemade cake, almond extract dessert