Cherry Cake

Introduction

Cherry cake is a delightful and festive treat that brings the sweetness of cherries and the richness of cake together in one scrumptious bite. This moist cake, packed with juicy cherries, is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a birthday, or just want a comforting dessert after dinner. The blend of tender cake with the tartness of the cherries makes this dessert both refreshing and satisfying.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step on how to make a beautiful, delicious cherry cake from scratch. You’ll learn how to prep the ingredients, assemble the cake, bake it to perfection, and serve it with a delightful touch of icing. This cake has a perfect balance of flavor and texture that will make it a favorite at any gathering.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8-10 servings
• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped (reserve a few for decoration if desired)

For the Cherry Sauce (optional, for serving):

• 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen cherries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Icing (optional):

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9-inch round or square cake pan
• Spatula
• Saucepan (for the cherry sauce)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your oven is hot enough to bake the cake properly. While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake later. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries

If you’re using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly, remove the pits, and chop them into small pieces. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they’re thawed and drained of excess moisture. Set aside a handful of whole cherries to decorate the cake later, if desired. The rest will be folded into the cake batter for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed, which will help the cake rise evenly while baking.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream together the softened butter and sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air into the mixture, making the cake lighter and fluffier.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Extracts

Once the butter and sugar are well-creamed, add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps the eggs incorporate evenly into the batter. Add the vanilla and almond extracts (if using) and mix until fully combined. These extracts will give the cake a subtle, aromatic flavor that pairs beautifully with the cherries.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) into the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start with the flour mixture, then add a little milk, and continue alternating until all ingredients are incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the batter—mix until just combined to ensure a tender cake.

Step 7: Fold in the Cherries

Using a spatula, gently fold the chopped cherries into the batter. Be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture, but try not to crush the cherries, as that will release too much juice and affect the texture of the cake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you’re making a larger or deeper cake, it may require a few extra minutes of baking.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cake from becoming soggy at the bottom. If you plan to frost or decorate the cake, make sure it is completely cool to avoid melting the icing.

Step 10: Prepare the Cherry Sauce (Optional)

While the cake is cooling, you can make a simple cherry sauce to serve on the side. In a small saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries break down and form a syrupy consistency. This should take about 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 11: Make the Icing (Optional)

If you’d like to add a simple glaze or icing to your cherry cake, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. If the icing is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the icing over the cooled cake for a touch of sweetness and elegance.

Step 12: Assemble and Serve

Once the cake is fully cooled, you can decorate it with the reserved whole cherries on top. If you’re using the cherry sauce, drizzle it over individual slices before serving or serve it on the side. You can also dust the cake with a bit of powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch.

Step 13: Enjoy!

Now, slice your cherry cake into generous portions and serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful dessert. The sweetness of the cake paired with the tart cherries creates a perfect balance of flavors, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This cherry cake is a delicious treat, but like all cakes, it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (assuming 10 servings per cake):

• Calories: 275 kcal
• Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 75mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 7% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 10% of the DV
• Calcium: 4% of the DV
• Iron: 5% of the DV

Note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, so always check your product labels for more precise measurements.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Cherries: If you have access to fresh cherries, use them for the best flavor. Frozen cherries can work, but they may release more juice, which could make the cake a little moister.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you add the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough cake.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting the recipe.
4. Customize Your Flavor: If you want a deeper flavor, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy touch.

Conclusion

This cherry cake is an easy yet impressive dessert that’s sure to wow your guests. With its tender crumb and burst of juicy cherries, it’s a perfect addition to any gathering or celebration. Whether you serve it with a drizzle of cherry sauce or a light icing, this cake will undoubtedly become a favorite.

Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade cherry cake!