French Almond Cake with Sweet Cherry Buttercream
Ingredients
- ¼ cfresh sweet cherries
- 1 tbspsugar
- ¾ cplain yogurt or Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cgranulated sugar
- 4 largeeggs
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- ¼ tspalmond extract
- 1 tbspbaking powder
- ¾ tspsalt
- 1 ¼ call purpose flour
- 1 calmond flour
not almond meal
- ¾ cneutral-flavored oil
sunflower (grapeseed, canola oil,
- ¾ cpowdered sugar plus more for sprinkling
- ¼ tspalmond extract
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 3 tbspfresh orange juice
- ½ cvery soft butter
- cherries
prepped above
- 2 tbsphalf and half or milk
maybe a bit more
- 2 ½ cpowdered sugar
Directions
For the prep:
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Spray a 9-inch round cake pan (with at least 2 inch tall sides) with baking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment paper and spray parchment paper lightly. Set aside.
- 2
Combine the chopped cherries and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir well and set aside (the sugar will cause the cherries to release their juices).
For the cake:
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, and eggs and extracts, stirring until well blended. Add the baking powder and salt. Stir until well incorporated. Add the all-purpose and almond flours and stir just unit the flour disappears.
- 2
Add the oil and stir well. Don't worry, at first it will seem to separate, but keep stirring till smooth. This might take a minute or so.
- 3
Pour the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the cake feels springy to the touch in the center and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover loosely with foil if getting too brown near the end and cake is still not done. Be careful not to overbake.
- 4
Cool cake on a wire rack for 10 minutes; then turn it out of the pan onto the rack. While the cake is still warm, using a pastry brush, gently pat the glaze all over the cake. Just keep going over the cake till the glaze is gone. Some of it will drip off, but most of it will soak in. Allow cake to cool completely before topping with the icing.
For the glaze:
- 1
While the cake is baking, make the glaze by combining the apple (or orange) juice, powdered sugar and extracts in a small bowl. Stir with a whisk until nice and smooth. Cover and set aside.
For the icing:
- 1
While the cake is cooling, make the icing by combining the soft butter, cherries and half and half (or milk). Stir to combine, then add the powdered sugar and stir until nice and smooth. You want a thick but spreadable icing. If too thick, add a bit more half and half. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- 2
Spread the icing over the top of the cake, swirling with the back of a spoon for a decorative affect. Allow the icing to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
French Almond Cake with Sweet Cherry Buttercream
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About this Recipe
Indulge in Effortless Elegance: Easy French Almond Cake with Sweet Cherry Buttercream
Imagine a dessert that's not only breathtakingly delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Our French Almond Cake with Sweet Cherry Buttercream is exactly that! This isn't just any cake; it's a moist, tender, and richly flavored easy almond cake that comes together in one bowl with absolutely no mixer required. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for a fuss-free yet impressive treat.
What makes this easy French Almond Cake truly special is its incredible texture and authentic almond flavor, complemented by the pure joy of a homemade buttercream. The cake itself is a dream – light yet substantial, with a delightful crumb that melts in your mouth. But the real star, the crowning glory, is the vibrant Sweet Cherry Buttercream. Made with fresh cherries, it delivers a burst of fruity sweetness that perfectly balances the nutty almond cake, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Tips for the Perfect French Almond Cake
- Yogurt Power: The plain or Greek yogurt in the batter is key to the cake's incredible moisture and tender crumb. Don't skip it!
- Almond Flour Quality: Using almond flour (not almond meal) ensures a finer texture and richer flavor for your easy almond cake.
- Flavor Boost: The hint of almond extract alongside vanilla truly elevates the almond flavor in the cake, making it unmistakably French-inspired.
This stunning cake is ideal for any occasion, from a casual family gathering to an elegant dinner party. Serve slices with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a fresh cherry on top for an extra touch of sophistication. It's a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but only took you about an hour from start to finish!