Welcome to a truly extraordinary baking experience! This **almond cherry coffee cake** transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like indulging in three distinct desserts, all perfectly harmonized within a single, magnificent cake. Each element, from the tender cake base to the luscious cherry topping and the irresistible crumble, is a star in its own right. But when combined, they create a dessert that is nothing short of dreamy. Prepare to be delighted, because this recipe isn’t just a coffee cake – it’s an unforgettable culinary creation that promises to be the best cherry cake you’ll ever bake.
What makes this **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake** so exceptionally good? It’s the thoughtful interplay of three glorious layers, each contributing its unique magic:
- The Moist and Light Almond Cake Base: This isn’t just any cake; it’s a foundational layer infused with a robust almond essence, perfectly complemented by a subtle, refreshing zing of lemon. Its tender crumb provides the ideal canvas for the vibrant flavors above.
- The Luscious Cherry Sauce: Crafted from a homemade recipe, this fresh cherry sauce is truly amazing. It features rich, syrupy-soft cherries that deliver a sweet and tangy burst, beautifully cutting through the richness of the cake. This layer elevates the entire dessert, ensuring every bite is bursting with juicy cherry goodness.
- The Buttery Crumble Topping: Often referred to as streusel, this crunchy, golden topping is so incredibly addictive, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight off the pan! Its buttery texture and delightful crunch add a perfect textural contrast to the soft cake and jammy cherries.
These three distinctive layers come together to form what is popularly known as a **coffee cake** or **crumb cake**, characterized by its soft, moist cake base and generous, thick layer of delicious crumble on top. The best part? Despite its gourmet appeal, each component is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making this an accessible yet impressive bake for any occasion.
If you’re a devotee of crumb cakes, you absolutely must explore our other delectable variations. Try our rich chocolate crumb cake for a cocoa-infused treat, or perhaps our seasonal strawberry crumb cake for a different fruity delight. Each offers a unique spin on this beloved dessert style.
This post was originally published on July 18th, 2017, and has been comprehensively updated with fresh images, enhanced content, and more detailed information to bring you the best possible baking guide.
Table of Contents
- The Ultimate Almond Cherry Coffee Cake
- Essential Ingredients for Your Cherry Crumb Cake
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Crumb Cake
- Baking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
- Smart Substitutions and Variations
- Storage and Serving Suggestions
- More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
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Essential Ingredients for Your Almond Cherry Crumb Cake
Crafting the perfect **almond cherry crumb cake** begins with high-quality ingredients. While many components are standard pantry staples like **flour, sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, and baking soda**, it’s a few key additions that truly make this particular cake sing. Understanding the role of each ingredient will help you achieve outstanding results every time.
For precise measurements and detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down.
- Cornflour (Cornstarch in the US): This might seem like an unusual addition, but I frequently incorporate cornflour into my cake recipes for a specific reason: it significantly contributes to a softer, more delicate cake texture. If you happen to have cake flour readily available in your pantry, you can use that as a direct substitute for both the cornflour and the plain (all-purpose) flour, as cake flour inherently has a lower protein content, resulting in a tender crumb.
- Cherry Sauce: The heart of this cake’s vibrant flavor comes from my very own fresh cherry sauce. While it’s tempting to opt for store-bought alternatives, I wholeheartedly recommend making this from scratch. Even if fresh cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries work beautifully and yield a sauce with unparalleled depth of flavor. It takes just about 15 minutes to prepare, and its rich, sweet, and tangy profile is truly irresistible – you’ll want to savor it by the spoonful! While cherry jam or pie filling can be used in a pinch, they won’t quite capture the same homemade essence. For a unique twist, consider using maraschino cherries, similar to how they’re used in my cherry chocolate chip cookies.
- Almond Extract: This essential ingredient delivers the distinctive, warm, and nutty almond flavor that beautifully complements the sweet and tart cherries. It’s truly a match made in culinary heaven. Ensure you use a quality extract for the best flavor impact.
- Sour Cream: The secret to an incredibly moist cake lies in the addition of sour cream. It not only locks in moisture, preventing the cake from drying out, but also imparts a very subtle tang in the background, which brightens the overall flavor profile without being overtly sour.
- Flaked Almonds: These delicate almond flakes are a crucial component of our buttery crumble topping. When baked, they toast to a golden perfection, adding a delightful crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor that enhances the almond theme of the cake.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cherry Crumb Cake
Don’t be intimidated by the idea of a three-part cake! While this **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake** does involve three distinct components, each step is remarkably simple and manageable. What’s more, both the **cherry sauce** and the **crumb topping** can be prepared in advance, streamlining your baking process and making it perfect for entertaining or a relaxed weekend project. Let’s break down the creation of this delightful dessert.
You’ll find precise quantities and comprehensive instructions in the full recipe card below.
- Prepare the Cherry Sauce: This vibrant topping is surprisingly easy. In a saucepan, combine fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, a touch of water, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Gently cook these ingredients down for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are beautifully soft and enveloped in a luscious, syrupy consistency. Allow the sauce to cool completely to at least room temperature before using. This step can be conveniently done 3-4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For a deeper dive into making this component, get the full recipe here.
- Create the Crumb Topping: Achieving that perfect buttery crunch is a breeze. In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, and half of the flaked almonds). Then, using a box grater, grate in very cold butter. This method ensures the butter remains in small, even pieces, which is key for a truly crumbly texture. Use your fingertips to gently rub the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form and start clumping together (as seen in **photo 1** and **photo 2**). Finally, mix in the remaining flaked almonds. This entire process takes mere minutes, and just like the cherry sauce, the crumb topping can be prepared a day ahead and kept chilled in the fridge.
- Bake the Moist Almond Cake Base: This is where the magic of the cake truly comes alive. Begin by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth emulsion. Stir in the almond extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice – these add layers of bright, nutty flavor. In a separate bowl, sift your dry ingredients (flour, cornflour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt). Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Next, gently fold in the sour cream, followed by the remaining dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the batter; mix only until no streaks of flour remain, ensuring a tender crumb. Pour the thick, luscious batter into your prepared baking pan (as shown in **photo 3** and **photo 4**).
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the cake batter in the pan. Now, spoon dollops of the cooled cherry topping over the batter, leaving about a 1-inch clear gap around the edges and a small circle in the center bare (refer to **photo 5**). This strategic placement prevents the middle from sinking. Finally, generously scatter the prepared crumb topping over the cherries and exposed batter (**photo 6**). Bake until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center (in the bare spot) comes out clean.
Baking Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results
Achieving a truly perfect **almond cherry coffee cake** is easy when you keep a few key tips in mind. Pay special attention to these details for an impeccably moist cake, a robust cherry layer, and an irresistible crumb topping.
First, a quick but important note: you’ll observe that this **cake batter is quite thick**. This isn’t an accident; it’s by design! A thicker batter provides the necessary structure to support the cherry topping, preventing the luscious fruit from sinking to the bottom during baking and ensuring it remains beautifully suspended on top.
- Always Line Your Pan: This simple step makes a world of difference. Lining your baking pan with parchment paper, particularly the bottom and sides, ensures that your beautiful **cherry crumb cake** will release cleanly and effortlessly once baked. This prevents sticking and preserves the cake’s integrity, making it much easier to transfer and serve.
- Opt for a Springform Pan: While a regular cake tin can work, an 8-inch springform pan is highly recommended. Its removable sides allow you to effortlessly unmold the cake without inverting it, thus protecting that delicate, crumb-topped surface and preserving the stunning presentation. It’s an invaluable tool for this type of cake.
- Carefully Drain the Cherry Sauce: Before applying the cherry sauce to the cake batter, it’s crucial to quickly drain it through a fine-mesh strainer. The goal isn’t to dry the cherries completely, but rather to remove excess syrup so they aren’t “swimming” in liquid. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy in the middle. Don’t discard that flavorful syrup, though! It makes an absolutely divine drizzle over individual slices of the finished **almond cherry coffee cake**.
- Leave a 1-Inch Clear Gap in the Center of the Batter: Take a look at **photo 5** in the “how to make it” section above. Notice the small, bare circle of batter in the very middle? This little trick serves two important purposes. Firstly, it prevents the center of the cake – which is typically the last part to cook through – from being weighed down and potentially underbaked by a dense layer of wet cherry topping. Secondly, and very practically, it provides a clear, accessible spot to insert your cake tester or skewer to check for doneness. Without this bare patch, the cake will still bake, but the center might sink ever so slightly upon cooling.
- Understand Your Oven’s Personality: This tip cannot be stressed enough. Every oven is unique. The cooking time of 50 minutes in my oven might be 45 minutes or even 55 minutes in yours. Oven thermostats can be notoriously inaccurate, which is why investing in an affordable oven thermometer is one of the best baking decisions you can make. Keep it inside your oven at all times to monitor the actual temperature. Furthermore, many ovens have hot spots or uneven air circulation. Always bake with an awareness of your own oven’s quirks, and begin checking for doneness 5-8 minutes *before* the recipe’s suggested minimum baking time. A perfectly baked **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake** is worth the extra vigilance!
RELATED: If you enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of crumb cakes, you’ll also adore this gorgeous Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cake. It’s perfect for autumn gatherings!
Smart Substitutions and Variations
While this **cherry coffee cake** recipe is meticulously crafted for optimal flavor and texture, yielding the absolute best results when followed precisely, I understand that sometimes circumstances call for flexibility. Whether you’re short on time, missing a specific ingredient, or simply wish to experiment, here are some thoughtful substitutions and variations. Remember, while these alternatives will still create a delicious cake, they might alter the nuanced flavor profile.
-
The Cherry Sauce: My heartfelt plea remains: please, oh please, make your cherry sauce from scratch if you can! Its homemade goodness truly elevates this **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake**. However, if you absolutely must deviate:
- You can readily use **frozen cherries** in place of fresh ones to prepare the homemade sauce. They are often just as flavorful and convenient.
- For a quicker option, you could swap the homemade sauce entirely for a high-quality **cherry jam** or even another fruit-flavored jam or curd that pairs well with almond, like raspberry or apricot.
- I have experimented with **jarred cherries**, strained of their syrup, and while it’s not quite as vibrant or rich as the fresh or frozen homemade sauce, it will certainly work in a pinch.
- Other Fruits: The beauty of a crumb cake is its versatility! If cherries aren’t your preference or in season, you could easily create a blueberry sauce or a stewed apple topping to replace the cherry sauce, opening up a world of delightful fruit variations for your **coffee cake**.
- Almond Extract: Not a fan of almond flavor, or perhaps you just want a different profile? No problem at all! You can easily swap the almond extract for pure vanilla extract for a classic taste, or even coconut extract for a tropical twist. Just ensure you’re using an *extract*, which delivers true flavor, rather than an artificial *essence*.
- Almonds in the Topping: If almonds aren’t your preferred nut, feel free to substitute the flaked almonds in the crumble topping with another nut. Creamy, mild nuts tend to work best, such as finely chopped **cashews** or **macadamias**. Pecans or walnuts could also offer a different, delightful crunch.
- Sour Cream: The sour cream is key for moisture and a subtle tang. You can use either **full-fat or light sour cream**; both will yield excellent results. Alternatively, **buttermilk** can be used as a direct substitute, providing a similar level of acidity and moisture, which helps tenderize the cake crumb.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Proper storage ensures your delicious **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake** stays fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible. Leftovers are best kept in the refrigerator within an airtight container. Stored this way, the cake will maintain its wonderful moisture and flavor for approximately 2-3 days.
This **almond cherry coffee cake** is wonderfully versatile. It makes for the **perfect afternoon tea treat**, pairing beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite brew. However, with its vibrant, ripe cherries and the option to drizzle with that silky leftover cherry syrup, it effortlessly transforms into a truly **posh dessert** fit for any dinner party. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elevated experience. It’s one of my absolute favorites, and I’m confident it will quickly become one of yours too!
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors and textures of this **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake**, you’ll surely enjoy exploring more of our delightful baking creations. Here are some other recipes that we think you’ll absolutely adore:
- Easy Baked Cherry Cheesecake – Another fantastic way to enjoy fresh cherry sauce!
- Cherry Pistachio Cupcakes – A beautiful pairing of flavors in a cute cupcake form.
- Black Forest Chocolate Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting – A classic chocolate and cherry combination.
- Ginger Loaf Cake – For those who love a warming, spiced cake.
- Mixed Berry Crumble – If you can’t get enough of fruity crumbles.
- Puff Pastry Cherry Strudel – An elegant and easy dessert with cherries.
- Yogurt Plum Cake – A wonderfully moist and tender fruit cake.
- White Forest Cake – A delightful alternative to its dark chocolate cousin.
Did you try this incredible cherry coffee cake recipe?
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Almond Cherry Crumb Cake
12
serves
30 minutes
45 minutes
0 minutes
1 hour
15 minutes
Rate
Pin
Ingredients
FOR THE CHERRY SAUCE
-
1
cup
Fresh cherry sauce – see recipe here
FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
-
97
g
plain flour (all-purpose flour)
(¾ cup / 3.4oz)
-
½
cup
flaked almonds -
65
g
white granulated sugar
(⅓ cup / 2.3oz)
-
85
g
unsalted butter, cold
(¾ stick / 3 oz)
FOR THE CAKE BATTER
-
165
g
plain flour (all-purpose flour)
(1 ¼ cups / 5.8oz)
-
35
g
cornflour (US corn starch)
(¼ cup / 1.2oz)
-
1
teaspoon
baking powder -
¼
teaspoon
baking soda -
¼
teaspoon
salt -
113
g
unsalted butter, softened
(½ cup / 1 stick)
-
135
g
white granulated sugar
(⅔ cup / 4.8oz)
-
2
large eggs -
½
cup
sour cream (full fat or light) -
1 ½
teaspoons
almond extract -
2
teaspoons
lemon zest -
1
tablespoon
lemon juice
(note 1)
For best results, always weigh ingredients where a weight is provided
Equipment
-
8 inch springform pan -
Medium bowl & large bowl -
Hand mixer -
rubber spatula
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F. Thoroughly grease and line an 8-inch springform cake tin to ensure easy removal of the finished cake.
-
Prepare the cherry sauce using this detailed recipe. Allow it to cool completely before assembly.
FOR THE CRUMBLE TOPPING
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, half of the flaked almonds, and white granulated sugar. Using a box grater, grate in the very cold unsalted butter. Work quickly with your fingertips to mix and press the ingredients together until a coarse, clumpy crumb forms and is well combined. Stir in the remaining flaked almonds. Place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
FOR THE CAKE BATTER
-
In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, cornflour (corn starch), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
-
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer (or stand mixer), beat together the softened unsalted butter and white granulated sugar until the mixture is light, pale, and creamy. Add the large eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until fully incorporated. Mix in the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and almond extract until well combined.
-
Gently fold in half of the reserved flour mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Next, fold through the sour cream, followed by the remaining flour mixture. Mix carefully until the batter is thick and smooth, ensuring no dry streaks of flour remain, but be very careful not to over-mix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
-
Carefully spoon the thick cake batter into your prepared baking tin. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the batter evenly to the edges and level out the top.
-
Strain the cooled cherry sauce to separate most of the rich syrup from the cherries. Set the delicious syrup aside for serving. Dollop the strained cherries evenly over the cake batter, ensuring you leave at least a 1cm (approximately ½ inch) clear gap from the very edges of the pan. Crucially, also leave about a 1-inch (2.5 cm) circle of batter bare in the exact center of the cake. This prevents the center from sinking and provides a clean spot to test for doneness.
-
Loosely and generously scatter the chilled crumble topping all over the top of the cherries and exposed cake batter.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the bare center of the cake comes out perfectly clean. Allow the cake to cool in its tin on a wire rack until it’s cool enough to handle, then carefully transfer it to the wire rack to cool completely.
-
Once cooled, slice and serve this delightful **Almond Cherry Crumb Cake** with the reserved cherry syrup drizzled generously over each slice. Enjoy!
-
Please take a moment to leave a comment & rating on this recipe. Your feedback is truly appreciated and incredibly helpful!
Notes
- I use a standard Australian 20ml tablespoon (which is equivalent to 4 teaspoons worldwide). Please adjust accordingly if your tablespoon measures differently.
- For the most accurate and consistent baking results, you should always weigh ingredients such as flour and sugar, especially when baking. Kitchen scales are very affordable and a worthwhile investment. If you do not have access to scales, please use the spoon and level method (scoop flour into the measuring cup with a spoon, then level off with a straight edge) rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- As emphasized in our tips, all ovens vary significantly. Always test for doneness 5-8 minutes before the recipe suggests the minimum baking time. To ensure your oven is baking at the correct temperature, it’s highly recommended to invest in an oven thermometer. They are inexpensive and can live in your oven indefinitely.
- The homemade cherry sauce is a fantastic make-ahead component. It can be prepared up to 3-4 days in advance and stored safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Similarly, the buttery crumble topping can also be prepared ahead of time. Make it 1-2 days in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to use.
EXPLORE MORE CAKE RECIPES
344
kcal
Marie Roffey
Afternoon Tea, Dessert
American, Australian, Various
Have you tried this recipe?
Don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below and let me know how it was! I love hearing from you. Nutrition information is approximate and derived from an online calculator. The brands you use may cause variations.
Calories from Fat 171
29%
63%
24%
2%
4%
14%
4%
22%
10%
11%
2%
5%
6%
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