What is this picture? It’s a Sunday afternoon, the sun is streaming through the kitchen window, and the aroma of baking is strong. God is filling the air. What is the smell of this cherry cake? Is it a hug in dessert form? What is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy? If you love the simplicity and comfort of a classic coffee cake, then get ready, because this cherry cake is the best. What is your new obsession with cake recipes? Is it easier than you think to do it yourself? I promise you will not regret baking this cake! You’ll want to start right now.
What is a cherry cake?
What is a cherry cake? What is more than that? Think of it as a tender, moist cake studded with juicy, sweet cherries, often topped with an easy to make glaze. Is there a better glaze? What is comfort food? Why do we cram a bunch of delicious cherries into this cake? This isn’t your overly processed, artificial-tasting cherry dessert. What is the real deal, using fresh or jarred cherries to create a delicious dessert. What are some of the best experiences you’ve had Is it the kind of cake that makes you feel good inside?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely divine! The combination of the sweet, slightly tart cherries with the buttery, vanilla-infused cake is simply heavenly. What I love most about this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, even if you’re a beginner baker, you can totally nail this! It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Plus, it’s a pretty budget-friendly dessert option, especially if you use jarred cherries like I usually do. And the best part? It’s so versatile! You can enjoy it for breakfast with a cup of coffee, as a delightful brunch treat, or as the perfect after-dinner dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I sometimes even throw in a handful of chocolate chips for an extra bit of indulgence (don’t tell anyone!). I love it more than any other cake.
How do I make a cherry cake?
Quick Overview
How do I make a cherry cake? You’ll start by mixing the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients. Before gently combining them, you will start with mixing all of them. How do you form a batter? Next, you’ll fold in those beautiful cherries. In a pan, bake until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Let it cool before drizzling with a glaze. The beauty of this method is that it requires minimal effort and yields a perfectly moist and dry skin. What is the best cake you have ever had? What are some good recipes for a lazy weekend? I always do it on a Sunday, I never leave it for another day!
Ingredients
For the Main Batter: What is the main battery
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: I like to use unbleached flour for a slightly nutty flavor, but regular all-purpose works just fine.
* 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Feel free to adjust this slightly depending on your sweetness preference.
* 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise and become light and airy. Make sure it’s fresh!
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: This adds a bit of extra lift and helps with browning.
* 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s truly softened, but not melted, for the best texture.
* 2 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind the batter together.
* 1 cup buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang that complements the cherries perfectly. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic cake flavor!
For the Filling:
* 1 (15-ounce) jar pitted cherries, drained and halved: 1 quart. I prefer jarred cherries, but you can also use fresh cherries. I like the taste of fresh fruit. Is it possible to freeze frozen cherries If using frozen, thaw them slightly and pat them dry before adding them to the batter. * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: How do cherries stay suspended in the batter?
For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a glossy finish. * 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjust the amount to achieve your desired consistency. * 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use baking spray with flour for extra insurance against sticking. Make sure to get into all the corners! This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal later on.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to whisk baking powder and baking soda? This step prevents any pockets of baking powder or baking soda, which can result in an uneven texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Slowly add the buttermilk, mixing until just combined. It’s important to use softened butter to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture. If the butter is too cold, it won’t incorporate properly with the sugar, resulting in a dense cake. And make sure your eggs are at room temperature, you can let them sit in some warm water to speed it up if you need to!
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. What is the best way to avoid overmixing? Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. If the flour is too thick, mix it until it disappears, but don’t worry about a few small lumps. Is it better to undermix than overmix?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a small bowl, toss the halved cherries with the flour. How do you prevent cherries from sinking to the bottom of a cake? The flour coats the cherries, creating a barrier that helps them stay suspended in the batter.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Gently fold the floured cherries into the cake batter. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. If you want to get fancy, you can create a swirl pattern on top by gently dragging a knife or skewer through the batter. I like to make figure-eight shapes for a pretty effect.
Step 7: Bake
If you have a toothpick inserted into the center of the oven and you can see that it comes out clean, bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back lightly when touched. How long does it take for a muffin to be done? If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and salt. What is the best way to use vanilla extract in Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. How do you adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more or less milk, depending on your recipe?
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the glaze has set, slice the cake into squares or rectangles and serve. This cherry cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a simple yet satisfying dessert. I like to add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ways to enjoy a cherry cake? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For Breakfast:Serve warm with a cup of coffee. The sweetness of the cake pairs perfectly with the bitterness of coffee, creating a delightful dessert. I also like to sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
For Brunch:How can I make a delicious brunch spread with this cherry cake? Is it good with fresh fruit, yogurt, and a selection of savory dishes? For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cherries.
As Dessert: This cake is a perfect end to any meal. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent dessert, drizzle it with melted chocolate or caramel sauce. My family always asks for this.
For Cozy Snacks:All you need is a piece of cherry cake and blanket to make your day better. What’s a good cake to enjoy on chilly evenings? What’s a comfort food?
My mom always served this cake with a glass of cold milk. I can’t remember the name. What’s a simple combination, but it brings back so many fond memories of my childhood. Can you beat nostalgia?
How do I make a perfect cherry cake?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that will help you make the best cherry cake ever. Here are my top tips:
Cherry Prep:If using fresh or frozen cherries, make sure to pit them and pat them dry before adding them to the refrigerator. How do I prevent a cake from becoming soggy? I personally prefer jarred cherries, as they are already pitted and have a consistent sweetness. They don’t add as much moisture either.
Mixing Advice:Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. What are the best ways to mix flour and sugar together? Is it better to undermix than overmix?
Swirl CustomizationHow do you create a swirl pattern? You can use a knife, skewer, or chopstick to create different designs on top of the cake. Try making figure-eight shapes, spirals, or even simple lines. You can also use different colors of batter to create a more dramatic effect. How do you add food dye to a batter?
Ingredient Swaps:Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to customize this cake to your liking. Is it necessary to add almond extract to a batter? Is it healthy to substitute applesauce or honey for sugar? I’ve tested it with almond milk before and it made it even creamier!
Baking Tips:Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before frosting it, or the frosting will melt. I always do the toothpick test to make sure that it is ready.
Glaze Variations:What is the best way to glaze a cake? Is it a good idea to add almond extract or lemon juice to the glaze? Can you use different types of milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk to make a smoothie? Is there a
Storing and Reheating Tips
This cherry cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it can also be stored for later. Here’s how:
Room Temperature: You can store the cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. I like to wrap it in foil and then put it in a ziplock bag.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Before serving, let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze this cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds until warmed through. This is perfect when you’re craving something sweet at 10pm but don’t want to bake a whole cake.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to store the cake for more than a day, I recommend waiting to glaze it until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or dissolving over time. The glaze will stay fresh if kept separate from the cake itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This cherry Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a taste of home, a slice of comfort, and a reminder of simpler times. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a special celebration or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is sure to satisfy. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the joy of baking this cherished recipe. If you love this, you might also like my apple crumble. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you try it. Share it with your friends!
Cherry Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups fresh cherries pitted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cherries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before serving.
