Imagine biting into a golden square of cake, the rich aroma of toasted almonds mingling with the sweet scent of cherries.
The texture is a harmonious blend of creamy almond butter and melty white chocolate, offering comfort in every bite.
This dessert holds a special place in my heart; the first time I made it, it brought smiles to my family after a hectic day.
The simplicity of its preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying treat, or for Sunday suppers when you want to end the meal on a sweet note.
One evening, after a particularly long day, these cake squares were the perfect pick-me-up for my family, transforming our dinner into a delightful experience.
Ready to bring some joy to your table too? Let’s cook these Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares together!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with creamy almond butter and sweet white chocolate.
- Uses pantry staples for a convenient and easy dessert preparation.
- Offers a delightful texture with chopped cherries and crunchy chocolate chips.
- Satisfies sweet cravings with a perfect balance of nutty and fruity notes.
- Cools quickly, allowing you to enjoy your dessert in just over an hour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Almond butter, creamy — choose smooth for best texture.
- 1 cup Sugar, granulated — opt for fine granules for even mixing.
- 2 Large eggs — verify they’re at room temperature for better incorporation.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract — use pure for a richer aroma.
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour — sift to remove lumps.
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking powder — check expiration for effectiveness.
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt — enhances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup White chocolate chips — select a high-quality brand.
- 1/2 cup Chopped cherries, maraschino — drain well to avoid excess moisture.
Step-by-Step Method
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This guarantees that the oven reaches the desired temperature by the time you’re ready to bake.
Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking. Use a non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Almond Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter and sugar until smooth. This creates a creamy base for your cake squares.
Make sure there are no lumps and the mixture is homogenous.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the almond butter mixture. Whisk until well combined.
This will help incorporate air, giving the batter a light texture. Verify that the eggs are fully blended in for an even consistency.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
Stir these dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt. This will guarantee the cake rises properly and flavors are balanced.
Integrate Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Fold in Chocolate and Cherries
Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cherries using a spatula.
Ensure the cherries are well-drained to avoid adding excess moisture. Distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the batter for consistent flavor in each bite.
Spread Batter Evenly
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Ensure the surface is smooth to promote even baking. This step helps in achieving uniform thickness and texture in the cake squares.
Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If not, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cool the Cake
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour.
This resting time helps the cake set and makes cutting easier. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
Cut and Serve
Once cooled, cut the cake into 12 squares.
Use a sharp knife for clean edges. Serve the Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares as a delightful dessert or snack. Enjoy the rich, nutty flavor combined with sweet white chocolate and cherries.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a nut-free version, replace almond butter with sunflower seed butter or peanut butter if allergies aren’t a concern.
- Substitute the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia for a lower-glycemic option.
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of regular flour to make the cake squares gluten-free.
- Swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips for a dairy-free alternative.
You Must Know
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to guarantee it reaches the right temperature for even baking, which is essential for the perfect texture of the cake squares.
- Use creamy almond butter to achieve a smooth batter consistency, which will help in creating a uniform texture in your cake squares.
- Whisk the almond butter and sugar together until smooth before adding other ingredients, as this helps in better incorporation and prevents lumps in the batter.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cherries to prevent them from sinking to the bottom, guaranteeing even distribution throughout the cake squares.
- Allow the cake to cool completely for at least 1 hour before cutting it into squares, as this helps set the cake’s texture and makes it easier to cut cleanly.
Serving Tips
- Serve each square with a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperatures.
- Garnish with fresh cherries and a sprinkle of white chocolate shavings.
- Serve on a decorative dessert plate for an elegant presentation.
- Drizzle with melted white chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
For make-ahead convenience, these squares freeze well for up to 2 months.
Ensure they’re tightly wrapped or placed in a freezer-safe container to maintain freshness.
Reheating
To gently reheat Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares, use a microwave on low power for 10-20 seconds.
Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Dessert’s American Cultural Significance
While savoring the warm, nutty goodness of Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares, one can’t help but appreciate the deep connection desserts have to American culture.
They’re more than just sweet treats; they’re celebrations, traditions, and memories wrapped up in each bite.
Desserts hold a special place at our tables, marking holidays, birthdays, and family gatherings. They’re the shared joy after a meal, a universal language of comfort and happiness.
I find that each dessert tells a story, reflecting the diverse influences that shape American cuisine. The fusion of almond butter and cherries in these cake squares is a delightful nod to our love for innovation.
It’s amazing how a simple dessert can evoke nostalgia and create new cherished moments.
Final Thoughts
Why not give these delightful Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares a try? Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Almond Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
I’ve wondered the same! You can substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour, but expect a denser texture since almond flour lacks gluten. Consider adding an extra egg for moisture and structure, ensuring your dessert still delights!
How Long Do the Cake Squares Stay Fresh?
I find that these cake squares stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Their delightful aroma and flavor linger, making each bite a cherished treat.
Can I Substitute Another Nut Butter for Almond Butter?
I love experimenting with flavors, so yes, you can substitute almond butter with another nut butter. Peanut butter adds a rich, familiar taste, while cashew butter offers a milder, creamy twist. Each brings its own delightful character.
Are There Any Alternative Toppings for This Dessert?
I love exploring toppings! Try drizzling melted dark chocolate for a rich contrast or adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut for tropical flair. A dollop of whipped cream with a cherry on top always brings smiles too!
Can I Freeze the Cake Squares for Later Use?
Absolutely, you can freeze the cake squares! I love wrapping each piece in plastic, then storing them in an airtight container. This way, they remain moist and delicious, ready to enjoy whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Almond Butter White Forest Cake Squares
Equipment
- 1 Baking pan 9×9 inches
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Oven
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup almond butter creamy
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries maraschino
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture, and whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped cherries gently with a spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cake to cool on a cooling rack for at least 1 hour.
- Once cooled, cut the cake into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
