Delicious & Portable Cherry Almond Cakes: The Perfect Summer Picnic Dessert Recipe
This post is sponsored by Appletiser
Summer brings with it a delightful array of simple pleasures, and for me, few memories shine brighter than the family picnics of my childhood. Throughout those long, sun-drenched months, my parents would expertly orchestrate these outdoor escapades. They’d pack three lively children, two enthusiastic dogs, and a truly epic spread of food into our car, setting off to our favorite spot by the river. There, we’d spend hours splashing in the cool water and exploring the adjacent fields, building up a formidable appetite before finally indulging in our meticulously prepared feast. As an adult, I find myself yearning for those carefree days, and realizing that the joy of a good picnic is an essential part of summer that I absolutely need to reclaim.
The Art of the Perfect Picnic: Location Meets Culinary Delight
Undeniably, a picturesque location is key to setting the perfect picnic mood – be it a verdant park, a serene lakeside, or a bustling beach. Yet, the heart and soul of any memorable picnic lies in its food. Our family tradition involved a wonderful variety: crusty French bread, a selection of fine cheeses, creamy hummus, and fresh salad ingredients for DIY sandwiches. We’d also have an array of olives, crackers, crisps, and flavorful dips for casual snacking. A robust salad, typically potato or tabbouleh, always made an appearance, alongside an abundance of fresh, seasonal fruit. But the grand finale, the sweet treat, was always the most anticipated element of our outdoor banquets.
When Appletiser invited me to create a summer picnic recipe that would perfectly complement their refreshing drinks, my thoughts immediately turned to that quintessential sweet ending. My mind initially conjured images of an elegant layer cake, perhaps something reminiscent of a classic Swedish Midsummer cake – delicate, light sponges filled with clouds of whipped cream and juicy strawberries. While such a cake would be undeniably delicious and beautiful, a practical consideration quickly arose: its portability. A delicate layer cake, susceptible to heat and jostling, simply isn’t designed for the rigors of a picnic basket or prolonged exposure to the summer sun. A picnic dessert needs to be resilient, convenient, and utterly delicious.
Why These Cherry Almond Cakes Are Your Picnic Perfection
This realization led me to the creation of these delightful little cherry almond cakes, which are truly the epitome of a perfect picnic dessert. They are wonderfully easy to make, allowing you to prepare them the day before your picnic. This foresight reduces last-minute stress, leaving you more time to enjoy the actual outing. Their sturdy construction means they can be packed into a tub and transported without fear of damage, ensuring they arrive at your picnic spot looking as perfect as when they left your kitchen. Moreover, these cakes are admirably resilient to the warmth of a summer’s day, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor even after sitting out for a while.
Beyond their practical advantages, these cakes offer an exquisite flavor profile. The rich, nutty taste of almond combined with the vibrant, tangy burst of fresh cherries creates a truly harmonious experience. This particular flavor combination also pairs exceptionally well with apple, making these cakes the ideal partner for a crisp, chilled glass of Appletiser. The sparkling apple notes beautifully cut through the sweetness of the cake, offering a refreshing contrast that enhances every bite. These cherry almond cakes are not just a dessert; they’re a carefully crafted contribution to your perfect summer picnic experience, promising both convenience and culinary delight.
Baking & Glazing Your Way to Picnic Sweetness
One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. I chose to bake my batch in charming little brioche and pudding moulds, which perfectly yielded eight individual cakes. However, if you prefer, you can easily use standard cupcake cases in a muffin tin, in which case the recipe will produce approximately twelve cakes. Should you opt for cupcakes, you might find yourself needing a few extra cherries to ensure each one is generously studded with that delightful fruit. Regardless of the mould style you choose, the results are consistently moist and flavorful, making them a versatile choice for any baker.
The texture of these cakes is a true highlight, largely thanks to the ground almonds which contribute to an incredibly moist and tender crumb. Each bite is infused with a rich, nutty almond essence, beautifully punctuated by pockets of tart, juicy cherry. This delightful contrast of sweet almond and tangy fruit is what makes these cakes so irresistible. To top it all off, the glaze is a masterpiece of simplicity and natural beauty. Requiring just two ingredients – icing sugar and pitted cherries (whether fresh or defrosted frozen) – it comes together effortlessly in a food processor. The blending process transforms these ingredients into a smooth, pourable icing. The captivating rosy hue is entirely natural, a gift from the cherries themselves, meaning there’s absolutely no need for artificial food coloring. Should your icing be too thin, simply add a little more icing sugar and blend again; if it’s too thick, a couple more cherries will achieve the perfect consistency. It’s a stunning, flavorful finish that truly elevates these modest cakes.
Recipe: Little Cherry Almond Cakes
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Little Cherry Almond Cakes
Ingredients
Cakes:
- 175 g (¾ cup) softened butter
- 240 g (1 cup + 2tbsp) caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 130 g (1 cup + 1tbsp) ground almonds
- 130 g (1 cup + 1tbsp) plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp almond extract
- 16 cherries pitted and halved
Icing:
- 60 g (2oz) pitted cherries (about 8 cherries) (I used defrosted frozen)
- 250 g (2 + ½ cups) icing sugar
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/gas mark 4. Line a 12-hole muffin tin with cake cases or use silicone cake moulds – grease them thoroughly.
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Beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
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Mix together the ground almonds, flour and baking powder and lightly fold in to the butter mixture. Stir in the almond extract.
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Divide the mixture between the cases or moulds and press a couple of halved cherries into the surface of each so that they are just covered with batter.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool until they can comfortably be handled then either transfer the cake cases to a wire rack, or carefully turn the cakes out of the silicone moulds if using and place on a wire rack to cool.
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Once the cakes are cold, make the icing. Place the icing sugar and pitted cherries into a food processor and blend until smooth. The icing should be thick but pourable; if it is too runny then add more icing sugar and blend again; if it is too thick then add a couple more cherries and blend.
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Spoon the icing over the tops of the cakes and serve.
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The cakes will keep for a couple of days in an airtight container but once they have been iced they are best eaten the same day.
Elevating Your Picnic Game: Beyond the Cakes
While these cherry almond cakes will undoubtedly be a highlight of your outdoor feast, a truly fantastic picnic is a well-rounded affair. Consider complementing your sweet treats with an array of other delicious and travel-friendly dishes. Refreshing salads, such as a vibrant couscous with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables or a hearty lentil salad, are excellent choices that hold up well to transport. For savory bites, individual quiches, mini sausage rolls, or even gourmet sandwiches cut into smaller portions are always a hit and easy to enjoy without much fuss. Don’t forget a generous selection of fresh, seasonal fruits like grapes, watermelon slices, or mixed berries – they offer crucial hydration and natural sweetness. And, of course, ensure a variety of beverages; alongside your Appletiser, bring plenty of water, homemade iced tea, or sparkling lemonade to keep everyone refreshed and hydrated.
Smart Packing for a Stress-Free Picnic
- Cooler Essentials: A high-quality cooler with efficient ice packs is indispensable. It will keep all your perishable items, including your Appletiser and the cakes (if not eaten immediately), at a safe and refreshing temperature.
- Layer and Protect: When packing your cherry almond cakes, always use a sturdy, airtight container. Arrange them in a single layer if possible, or separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking or getting crushed. Position heavier items at the bottom of your picnic basket or cooler to avoid damaging more delicate foods.
- Utensils and Cleanup: Be sure to pack reusable plates, cutlery, and napkins – or eco-friendly disposable options. Don’t forget wet wipes for sticky hands and a small bag for rubbish, which is crucial for easy cleanup and ensuring you leave your picnic spot as beautiful as you found it.
- Comfort is Key: A large, comfortable picnic blanket is a must. If your chosen outdoor spot tends to be damp or has uneven ground, a waterproof-backed blanket or even a separate ground cloth beneath your main blanket can significantly enhance comfort.
Bringing Back the Joy of Summer Picnics
Summer provides a precious opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and foster bonds with loved ones over shared meals. Re-embracing the timeless tradition of picnicking is a beautiful way to capture this spirit. With these delightful, fuss-free cherry almond cakes, perfectly complemented by the crisp, refreshing taste of Appletiser, you have all the ingredients for creating new, cherished memories that will last long after the season ends. Whether you’re planning an intimate escape or a lively family gathering, these portable and delicious treats are sure to add a touch of homemade warmth and sweetness to any outdoor feast. So, gather your basket, invite your favorite people, and head out to experience the simple magic of a summer picnic!
This post is sponsored by Appletiser, thank you for supporting the brands that allow me to continue doing what I love – playing with food and making a mess of my kitchen.