Cherry Almond Mini Cakes are delicate, fluffy vanilla cakes topped with a luscious cherry frosting and garnished with maraschino cherries and almond slices. These bite-sized treats are perfect for special occasions, afternoon tea, or whenever you crave something sweet and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors – The combination of vanilla cake, cherry frosting, and almond accents creates a harmonious bite.
Mini-Sized for Convenience – These individual cakes are great for serving at parties and gatherings.
Soft and Moist Texture – The buttery cake base stays tender with a light crumb.
Simple Yet Elegant – Easy to make but beautiful enough for celebrations.
Customizable Toppings – Adjust the frosting or garnishes to your preference.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk

For the Frosting:

½ cup butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cherry puree
½ teaspoon almond extract
Maraschino cherries and almond slices for garnish

Directions

Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a mini cake pan.
Mix the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with the milk, mixing until smooth.
Bake the Mini Cakes: Divide the batter evenly into the mini cake molds and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: Beat the butter and powdered sugar together until smooth. Add the cherry puree and almond extract, mixing until creamy.
Decorate the Cakes: Pipe or spread the frosting onto the cooled cakes. Garnish with maraschino cherries and almond slices.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 mini cakes
Calories per cake: 180 kcal

Variations

Chocolate Cherry Version – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
Lemon Cherry Cakes – Mix in a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy touch.
Nut-Free Option – Skip the almond slices or replace the almond extract with vanilla.
Whipped Frosting Alternative – Use whipped cream instead of buttercream for a lighter topping.
Glazed Instead of Frosted – Drizzle a cherry glaze over the cakes instead of using thick frosting.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cakes in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost before serving.
Reheating: If needed, warm cakes in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

FAQs

Can I make these mini cakes in a cupcake pan?

Yes, a cupcake pan works well if you don’t have a mini cake pan. Adjust baking time as needed.

How do I make cherry puree?

Blend fresh or canned cherries until smooth, then strain if necessary to remove pulp.

Can I use store-bought cherry frosting?

Yes, but homemade frosting offers a fresher and more natural flavor.

How do I prevent my cakes from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan well or use cupcake liners for easy removal.

Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cakes a day in advance and frost them just before serving.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries provide a more natural taste and color.

What’s the best way to pipe the frosting neatly?

Use a piping bag with a star tip for a decorative swirl.

Can I replace butter with oil in the cake batter?

Butter adds flavor, but you can substitute with an equal amount of vegetable oil for extra moisture.

How do I make the frosting more vibrant in color?

Add a drop of red or pink food coloring for a richer cherry hue.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in multiple batches.

Conclusion

Cherry Almond Mini Cakes are a delightful combination of light vanilla cake, cherry frosting, and crunchy almond garnish. Whether served at a party, as a tea-time treat, or just because, these mini cakes are sure to impress. Enjoy their delicate flavors and beautiful presentation with every bite!

Cherry Almond Mini Cakes