Step 1

Preheat oven to 325°. Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until fluffy. Gradually add 2 cups granulated sugar, and beat until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition and stopping to scrape sides of bowl as needed. Add lemon juice and almond extract, and beat until blended. Increase speed to medium-high, and beat 1 to 2 minutes or until pale yellow.

Step 2

Stir together baking powder, salt, and 3 1/2 cups flour. Add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended after each addition. Line bottom and sides of 9- x 13-inch pan with aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches of foil to extend over sides. Grease (with butter) and flour foil. Pour batter into prepared pan. Toss together cherries and remaining 2 Tbsp. flour and 1 tsp. granulated sugar, and scatter over batter.

Step 3

Bake at 325° for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until set and browned on top. Cool on a wire rack 1 hour.

Step 4

Whisk together powdered sugar and buttermilk, and drizzle over cake. Let cake stand until glaze sets (about 5 minutes). Lift cake from pan, using foil sides as handles. Cut into squares.