Cherry Almond Cake

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup about 1/2 can almond paste, crumbled
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 5 tablespoons cold butter
• 1/2 cup soft butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 2/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 21 ounces can cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 -3 tablespoons milk or 2 -3 tablespoons cream
• toasted sliced almonds (optional)

Recipe

• 1 to prepare the topping: whisk together the first four ingredients (flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt).
• 2 crumble in the almond paste, and add the almond extract.
• 3 work in the cold butter till the mixture becomes crumbly. set aside.
• 4 preheat the oven to 350°f.
• 5 grease and flour a 10" x 10" or 9" x 13" pan.
• 6 to prepare the cake: beat together the butter, sugar, salt, baking powder, and extract until fluffy.
• 7 add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
• 8 add the flour in thirds, alternately with the sour cream, blending well after each addition.
• 9 spread the batter in the prepared pan.
• 10 top with the cherries and streusel topping.
• 11 bake the cake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• 12 remove from the oven.
• 13 while the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining the confectioners' sugar, almond, and just enough of the milk to make a pourable glaze.
• 14 drizzle it over the still-hot coffeecake.
• 15 garnish with toasted sliced almonds, if desired.
• 16 serve warm or at room temperature.