If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy vegan cake recipe that won’t disappoint your taste buds, then you need to try this cherry almond cake recipe. This dessert is a beautiful blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a light and creamy frosting that’s perfect for any occasion. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make a vegan cherry almond cake that’s bound to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

The ingredients you’ll need to make a vegan cherry almond cake

Before making the cake, let’s start with the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup of canola oil
• 1 tablespoon of almond extract
• 1 cup of fresh cherries, pitted and roughly chopped

With everything in place, we’re ready to bake.

But before we start baking, let’s talk about some tips to make this cake even better. First, make sure to use fresh cherries for the best flavor. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw them completely before using them in the recipe.

Secondly, to make the cake even more moist and flavorful, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the almond milk and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients. This will create a buttermilk-like effect and make the cake even more delicious.

How to prepare your baking pans for the cake

Now that we have our ingredients, it’s time to prepare our baking pans. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and a light dusting of flour. This will ensure that your cake doesn’t stick to the pan and will come out easily.

It’s important to make sure that your baking pans are clean and dry before greasing them. Any leftover residue or moisture can affect the texture and taste of your cake. You can use a paper towel or a clean cloth to wipe the pans down before greasing them.

If you don’t have cooking spray, you can also use butter or vegetable oil to grease your pans. Just make sure to spread it evenly and cover all the surfaces of the pan. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom of the pan for extra insurance against sticking.

Step-by-step instructions for making the cake batter

To prepare the batter, start by mixing the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the almond milk, canola oil, and almond extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until you have a smooth and well-combined batter. Next, fold in the chopped cherries and pour the batter into the prepared pans.

Once the batter is in the pans, tap them gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.

For the frosting, beat together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Once the cakes are cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, then place the second cake on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and decorate with additional cherries if desired.

Tips for getting the perfect texture in your vegan cake

If you’re new to vegan baking, it’s essential to note that the texture of vegan cake batter differs from traditional cake batters. Unlike regular cake batter, vegan cake batter is typically thinner, so don’t be alarmed if your batter seems runnier than usual. Additionally, make sure not to overbeat the batter. Overbeating can result in a dense and gummy cake. Stir just enough for the ingredients to combine.

Another important tip for achieving the perfect texture in your vegan cake is to use the right type of flour. Opt for cake flour or pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour, as these flours have a lower protein content, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake. You can also add a bit of cornstarch to your flour to help achieve a tender crumb.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of plant-based milk in your vegan cake recipe. Soy milk, almond milk, and coconut milk are all great options that can add unique flavors and textures to your cake. Just make sure to use unsweetened milk to avoid throwing off the sweetness balance in your recipe.

How to properly chop and prepare cherries for the cake

Now that you have your cake batter, let’s prepare our cherries. Before chopping the cherries, make sure to remove the pits. You can either do this with a cherry pitter or slice them in half and remove the pit using a butter knife. Afterward, roughly chop the cherries. Make sure they’re not too big, as you want to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

It’s important to note that the type of cherries you use can affect the flavor and texture of the cake. Sweet cherries, such as Bing or Rainier, will add a subtle sweetness to the cake, while tart cherries, such as Montmorency, will add a tangy flavor. Consider your personal preference and the flavor profile of the cake when choosing your cherries.

If you’re short on time, you can also use canned cherries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to drain them well and pat them dry with a paper towel before chopping and adding them to the cake batter.

Adding almond flavor to your vegan cake

A key ingredient in our vegan cherry almond cake recipe is almond flavoring. Almond extract is the perfect ingredient to add almond flavor to your baked goods. This intense flavoring is made by combining bitter almond oil with alcohol. Use a high-quality almond extract that’s labeled pure, as this ensures a better flavor profile for your cake.

How to make a simple vegan frosting for the cake

Now, let’s prepare a light and creamy vegan frosting to complement our cake. To prepare the frosting, mix together 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of vegan butter, and 1 tablespoon of almond extract until you have a pale and creamy consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if the frosting is too thin or more almond milk if it’s too thick. Set aside the frosting until the cake has cooled.

For a chocolate twist, you can add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the frosting mixture. This will give your frosting a rich and decadent flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate cake. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to balance out the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.

If you want to make your frosting more colorful, you can add a few drops of food coloring. Use natural food coloring made from fruits and vegetables to keep your frosting vegan-friendly. You can also decorate your cake with fresh fruit, nuts, or edible flowers to add a pop of color and flavor.

Decorating your cherry almond cake with toasted almonds

Once your cake has cooled, it’s time to add a finishing touch to your masterpiece. Toasting almonds will add a nutty flavor and a beautiful crunch to the cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place sliced almonds on a baking sheet. Toast the almonds for 2-3 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top of your frosted cake.

For an extra pop of flavor, consider adding a cherry glaze to your cake. Mix together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and a splash of almond extract until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake and let it set before adding the toasted almonds. This will give your cake a beautiful pink hue and a delicious cherry flavor that complements the almond and toasted nut flavors perfectly.

Tips for storing and serving your vegan cherry almond cake

If you don’t finish your cake in one sitting, here are some tips on how to store it. To store the cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve the cake, let it thaw at room temperature for several hours before slicing it. Serve with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or ice cream, and enjoy!

Now that you know how to make a delicious vegan cherry almond cake, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking. With a little patience and a few tips, you’ll have an unforgettable dessert that’s sure to impress.

For an extra special touch, try adding a drizzle of cherry glaze on top of your cake. To make the glaze, mix together powdered sugar, cherry juice, and a splash of almond extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.

If you’re looking to switch up the flavors, try substituting the cherries for another fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries. You can also swap out the almond extract for vanilla extract or another flavoring of your choice. Get creative and make the cake your own!