Cherry Almond Buckle Recipe

All-purpose flour: The base for the cake, providing structure and texture.

Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake and the topping.

Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake, and helps create a crumbly topping.

Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake.

Eggs: Provide structure and help the cake rise.

Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.

Cherries: Fresh and pitted, they add a burst of sweetness and flavor.

Sliced almonds: Add a crunchy texture to the topping.

Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.

When creaming together the butter and sugar, make sure the butter is at room temperature. This ensures it incorporates air properly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier batter. Additionally, when folding in the cherries, be gentle to avoid breaking them up too much, which can lead to a soggy buckle.

• all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, making the buckle slightly denser and healthier.

• sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a subtle caramel flavor.

• softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar texture and a hint of coconut flavor, making it a good dairy-free option.

• vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract enhances the almond flavor in the buckle, complementing the sliced almonds.

• eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs are a vegan alternative that adds fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.

• milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free option that complements the almond flavor in the recipe.

• pitted fresh cherries - Substitute with frozen cherries: Frozen cherries are available year-round and can be used when fresh cherries are not in season.

• sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped pecans: Chopped pecans add a different nutty flavor and a bit more crunch.

• sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a rich, complex sweetness and can be used in slightly lesser amounts.

• cold, cubed butter - Substitute with chilled margarine: Chilled margarine is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar texture in the topping.

• Allow the cherry almond buckle to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dessert soggy.

• For short-term storage, cover the buckle with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.

• If you plan to store it for a longer period, place the buckle in the refrigerator. Ensure it is wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It will stay good for up to 5 days.

• To freeze the cherry almond buckle, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the buckle in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the buckle on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from burning. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place a slice of the buckle on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.

• Always check the buckle for any signs of spoilage before consuming, especially if it has been stored for an extended period. Look for any off smells, changes in texture, or mold.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry almond buckle on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until it is heated through. This method helps maintain the moisture and texture of the dessert.

• For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place a slice of the cherry almond buckle on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to ensure it doesn't overheat. This method is convenient but may slightly alter the texture.

• If you prefer a crispy topping, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cherry almond buckle on a piece of parchment paper or directly on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and the topping is crisp. This method helps retain the crunchiness of the sliced almonds.

• For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Place a slice of the cherry almond buckle in the skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid to trap the heat and moisture. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even warming. This method is great for maintaining the flavor and moisture of the dessert.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C). Place the cherry almond buckle in the air fryer basket and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method is quick and helps keep the topping crispy while warming the dessert evenly.

• Oven: Used to bake the cherry almond buckle at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).

• Baking dish: Greased to prevent sticking and used to hold the batter while baking.

• Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix ingredients such as butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

• Hand mixer: Helps in creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, and in beating the eggs into the mixture.

• Whisk: Used to whisk together the flour and baking powder.

• Spatula: Useful for folding in the cherries into the batter.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out ingredients like flour, sugar, and milk accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities of ingredients like vanilla extract and baking powder.

• Small bowl: Used to combine the topping ingredients: sliced almonds, sugar, and cold butter.

• Pastry cutter: Helps in cutting the cold butter into the topping mixture.

• Toothpick: Used to check if the buckle is done by inserting it into the center to see if it comes out clean.

• Cooling rack: Allows the buckle to cool evenly after baking.

Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.

Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can quickly cream butter and sugar and mix batter efficiently.

Pit cherries in advance: Pit and store cherries in the fridge the night before to save time.

Prepare the topping: Mix the topping ingredients and store them in the fridge until ready to use.

Grease the dish early: Grease your baking dish before starting to avoid interruptions.