Mary Berry Cherry and Almond Cake is the ultimate summer showstopper—fruity, moist, beautifully textured, and effortless enough for both new and experienced bakers. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, planning an al fresco afternoon tea, or simply searching for a timeless British bake with seasonal flair, this classic recipe never disappoints. In this post, you’ll learn why this cake works so well outdoors, how to prepare it perfectly every time, and the best ways to serve it for warm-weather gatherings.
Why This Cake Is Perfect for Garden Parties
Garden parties call for bakes that are easy to slice, sturdy in warm weather, and filled with fresh flavour. Mary Berry’s cherry and almond combination delivers exactly that. The glace cherries add pops of sweetness throughout the sponge, while the ground almonds bring moisture and subtle nutty richness—great for holding shape even after a few hours outside.
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Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the reasons this cake remains a beloved Mary Berry classic is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
- Glace cherries
- Unsalted butter
- Caster sugar
- Self-raising flour
- Ground almonds
- Eggs
- Almond extract
- Flaked almonds for topping
These ingredients are easy to source year-round, making the cake a versatile choice for spontaneous gatherings or planned celebrations.
Step-by-Step Method for a Perfect Bake
1. Prepare the cherries
Rinse, dry, and quarter your glace cherries. This step ensures they don’t sink to the bottom—an essential trick recommended by many baking professionals.
2. Cream butter and sugar
Be sure the butter is softened for smooth mixing. Cream until pale and fluffy.
3. Add eggs gradually
This prevents curdling and helps maintain a light sponge texture.
4. Fold in dry ingredients
Combine flour and almonds, then gently fold to avoid overmixing.
5. Stir in cherries
Lightly dust cherries with flour before folding them in.
6. Bake
Top with flaked almonds and bake until golden, risen, and springy to touch.
For precise baking temperatures and additional tips, you can reference trusted culinary guides like the BBC Good Food technique pages, which offer helpful insights for achieving even bakes and accurate oven timings (source: BBC Good Food).
How to Serve the Cake at Outdoor Events
This cake tastes wonderful at room temperature, which makes it ideal for warm afternoons. Serve it:
- On tiered stands with fresh berries
- With lashings of lightly whipped cream
- Alongside sparkling elderflower or iced tea
- Cut into smaller squares for finger-food style gatherings
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Tips for Keeping the Cake Fresh at Garden Parties
If your celebration lasts several hours, keep the cake under a mesh food cover to protect it from insects while allowing air circulation. Because of its almond content, the cake stays moist exceptionally well without refrigeration. You can even bake it the day before—this often improves flavour as the almonds settle into the sponge.
Why Mary Berry’s Version Stands Out
There are many cherry and almond cakes, but Mary Berry’s original recipe is loved for its balance. The cherry pieces are generous without overwhelming the sponge, the almond extract gives depth without tasting artificial, and the flaked almond topping adds a beautiful golden crunch. This makes the cake feel special enough for parties but familiar enough to delight even the pickiest guests.
Conclusion
The Mary Berry Cherry and Almond Cake is more than a recipe—it’s a perfect expression of classic British baking and warm-weather hospitality. With simple ingredients, rich texture, and timeless flavour, it brings effortless elegance to any garden party, picnic, or afternoon tea. Whether you’re hosting a big event or enjoying a quiet slice in the sunshine, this cake is guaranteed to become a seasonal favourite.