Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Prepare the cherries: Wash, pit, and halve the cherries. Set aside.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set a side.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg sand extracts: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
Combine wetand dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture,alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mixuntil just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in cherries: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.Gently fold in the halved cherries. Be careful not to crush them too much. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a tooth pick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy:Slice and serve your delicious Summer Cherry Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
This cake captures the essence of summer with its juicy cherries and moist crumb. It's perfect for sharing with friends and family on warm summer days!