Step-by-Step: How to Bake a Mouthwatering Cherry-Almond Streusel Cake

Imagine biting into a moist cherry almond cake. You feel the crunch of the streusel topping and taste the cherry sweetness. Baking this cake is fun and rewarding. You’ll need ingredients like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and fresh cherries.
As you start, you’ll make a streusel cake with cherry and almond flavors. This recipe is perfect for any time of year. Key ingredients include buttermilk, vanilla extract, and almond paste for the streusel topping.
Introduction to Cherry-Almond Streusel Cake
To bake a delicious cake, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the cake base ingredients like flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add sugar, an egg, and buttermilk. This cake combines cherry and almond flavors in a moist treat.
Getting Started with Your Cherry-Almond Streusel Cake Recipe
With your ingredients ready, start baking. Pour the batter into a springform pan or pie plate. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, then at 325 degrees F for 50-55 minutes.
Key Takeaways
- Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh cherries and real almond extract, to get the best flavor out of your cherry-almond streusel cake recipe.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough cake.
- Make sure to sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter to get a consistent crunch.
- Bake the cake at the right temperature to ensure it’s cooked through and golden brown.
- Let the cake cool in the pan before serving to ensure it’s set and ready to eat.
- Consider adding a cherry amaretto glaze to your cake for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients Needed for Your Cherry-Almond Streusel Cake
To make a delicious homemade cake, you’ll need certain ingredients. A cherry dessert with almond streusel topping is a great choice. High-quality ingredients and a reliable recipe are key to success.
For the cake, you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract
For the streusel topping, you’ll need:
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of sliced almonds
These ingredients will help you make a moist and tasty cherry dessert. The almond streusel topping adds a crunchy texture. Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.

By following this recipe and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious cherry-almond streusel cake. It’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or experienced, this recipe will impress everyone with its unique flavor and texture.
Preparing Your Cherry-Almond Streusel Cake Base
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). This is key in baking recipes like this one. While your oven heats up, mix the batter ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 11/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
In another bowl, whisk 1/3 cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Add these wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake. You want a delicious base for your sweet treats.
Now, let’s dive into the cake base preparation steps:
- Beat almond paste, granulated sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add sour cream mixture and mix until incorporated.
- Add flour mixture and mix until just combined.
- Beat on medium-high speed until batter is fluffy.
- Transfer batter to prepared baking dish.
After these steps, you’ll have a cake base ready for the next stage. Always use top-notch ingredients and follow the instructions closely. This will help you achieve the best results for your sweet treats.
Making the Cherry-Almond Filling
To make a tasty cherry dessert, you need to create the cherry-almond filling. This filling is key to the cake’s success. It’s what makes it stand out from other treats. You’ll use a 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling, layering it over the cake batter. Then, you’ll top it with almond streusel topping.
Experts say almond paste gives a smoother texture than almond flour. To make the filling, mix 1/2 stick of butter, 1/2 cup sugar, and 7 oz almond paste in a food processor. Keep blending until it’s smooth. Next, add 2 egg whites and 1 teaspoon almond extract to make a smooth paste. Then, mix in 1/3 cup flour to get a sticky filling.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the cherry-almond filling:
- Combine the cherry filling ingredients, including the cherries, sugar, and cornstarch, in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add the almond extract to the cherry filling mixture and stir to combine.
- Set the filling aside until you are ready to assemble the cake.
Remember to spread the filling evenly across the pastry. Leave a 2-inch border along the flaps. This will help you achieve a beautiful and delicious cherry dessert with a crunchy almond streusel topping.
Creating the Crunchy Streusel Topping
To make a perfect streusel cake, you need a crunchy topping. This is done by mixing the right ingredients and sprinkling them over the cake. The streusel topping is key to the cake’s texture and taste.
Baking experts say the secret to a crunchy streusel is the right mix of flour, sugar, and cold butter. Mix these until they look like coarse crumbs. For a streusel cake, you’ll need 2 cups of flour, ½ cup of almond flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ cup of sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest, and 1 cup of butter.
To make the streusel, mix the dry ingredients first. Then, cut in the butter until it looks like wet sand. Use a food processor or pastry cutter for the right texture. Once ready, spread it evenly over the cherry filling for a crunchy topping.
Here’s how to make the crunchy streusel topping:
- Mix together the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, and baking powder.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Mix in the fresh lemon zest and almond flour.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the cherry filling.
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious streusel cake. It’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or experienced, this recipe will be a hit. So, why not try it and see how easy it is to make a tasty streusel cake?
Serving and Enjoying Your Cake
Your cherry-almond streusel cake is now ready to be enjoyed. It’s great for special events or just a sweet treat any day. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, whichever you like best.
Tips for a Delicious Presentation
To make your cake even more appealing, try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. This adds extra flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic dessert idea for any time of day.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to try something different? You can use various berries or add toasted sliced almonds on top. This gives your dessert a unique twist. No matter what, your cherry-almond streusel cake will be a hit. It’s perfect for dessert ideas and special occasions.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients needed for a cherry-almond streusel cake?
You’ll need flour, sugar, butter, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and almond extract. For the streusel, add more flour, sugar, butter, and sliced almonds.
How do I prepare the cake base for my cherry-almond streusel cake?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Whisk dry ingredients and mix wet ingredients separately. Then, combine them and pour into a greased 9×13-inch dish.
What is the best way to make the cherry-almond filling for my cake?
Mix cherries, sugar, and cornstarch for the filling. Add almond extract for extra flavor.
How do I create a crunchy streusel topping for my cherry-almond streusel cake?
Mix flour, sugar, and cold butter until coarse crumbs form. Add sliced almonds and stir. Sprinkle over the cake.
What are some tips for serving and enjoying my cherry-almond streusel cake?
Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra flavor.
Can I use different types of cherry dessert fillings or almond streusel topping in my cake?
Yes, try different cherry fillings or streusel toppings for unique variations. Use fresh or frozen cherries, or add walnuts or pecans to the streusel.
How do I store my cherry-almond streusel cake to keep it fresh for a longer period?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Use homemade storage tips like plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
Are there any baking recipes or sweet treats that I can use as inspiration for my cherry-almond streusel cake?
Yes, explore other streusel cake or cherry dessert recipes for inspiration. They can help you discover new ingredients and techniques.