How to Make Italian Cherry Almond Cake
If you're looking to impress your friends and family with a delightful dessert, an Italian Cherry Almond Cake is a perfect choice. This cake offers a unique blend of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of cherries with the nutty richness of almonds. Follow these steps to create your own mouthwatering Italian Cherry Almond Cake.
Ingredients Needed
To make your Italian Cherry Almond Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of sweet or sour cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until fully combined.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture, ensuring everything is well incorporated but not over-mixed.
Step 3: Add Cherries and Almonds
Gently fold in the pitted cherries and sliced almonds into the batter, ensuring they are well-distributed. This will add bursts of flavor and texture to your cake.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To serve, dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Slice it into squares and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Use fresh cherries if available; they offer the best flavor. If not, frozen cherries work well too.
- For an extra almond flavor, you can add a tablespoon of almond flour to the batter.
- Consider adding a drizzle of almond glaze on top for added sweetness and flavor.
This Italian Cherry Almond Cake is not only easy to make but is also packed with flavors that will make it a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve it at a family dinner or a special celebration, this cake is sure to please!