Why You’ll Love this Cherry Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings a burst of flavor with every bite, you’ll love this cherry cake recipe.
This cake’s moist texture and sweet, tangy cherries make it irresistible. I adore how the almonds add a subtle richness that perfectly complements the cherries.
It’s a showstopper for gatherings, and trust me, everyone will ask for seconds. Plus, it’s simple to make, so I can whip it up even on busy days.
Each slice transports me to a warm, cozy kitchen, filling the air with an inviting aroma. You’ll definitely want to bake this cherry cake!
Ingredients of Cherry Cake
When it comes to baking a cherry cake, the foundation is all in the ingredients. You want to gather everything you need before you get started, so the process feels smooth and stress-free. Trust me, nothing throws a wrench in your baking plans like realizing halfway through that you’re out of sugar.
So, here’s a handy list of what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Cherry Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 4 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 16 ounces dried, glazed cherries (baking cherries)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon flavoring
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a second. The butter really needs to be at room temperature; it makes the mixing process a breeze and helps incorporate air for that lovely, light texture.
And if you can find the glazed cherries, go for those—fresh cherries just won’t give you that same sweet, chewy pop in every bite. Speaking of flavors, the almond and lemon extracts might seem a bit fancy, but trust me, they’re what take this cake from good to “Oh my goodness, what did you put in this?”
How to Make Cherry Cake
Making a glazed cherry cake is like stepping into a warm, inviting kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of baking. To get started, you’ll need to gather your ingredients and take a deep breath. First, you’ll want to cream together 1 1/2 cups of room temperature butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar in a large mixing bowl. I can’t stress enough how significant it’s to let that butter soften—if you skip this step, you might end up with a lumpy batter that’s more like a science experiment than a cake.
Once you’ve got that combo smooth and fluffy, crack in 4 eggs, and mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1 teaspoon of lemon flavoring. Just imagine the delightful medley of flavors swirling together as you beat them in.
Now, onto the dry ingredients! In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. This step is vital because it guarantees that your cake rises beautifully, without any unexpected pancake moments.
Gradually add this dry mixture into your buttery goodness, alternating with 1 cup of warm milk. It’s like your cake batter is getting a spa treatment—smooth, gentle, and oh-so-hydrated. Don’t forget to fold in those star players, 16 ounces of dried, glazed cherries, which will lend that iconic burst of sweetness.
Once everything is well-mixed, pour your batter into a greased cake pan and pop it into a preheated oven at 325°F for about an hour. Just imagine the anticipation as the cake rises and that delightful cherry aroma fills your kitchen.
As the timer ticks down, it’s a good time to clean up the battlefield that’s your kitchen (or maybe just shove everything off to the side and pretend you’ll deal with it later). When your cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, you know you’ve nailed it.
Let it cool for a bit before serving—if you can resist the temptation to jump in immediately. Trust me, the wait will be worth it when you slice into that moist, flavorful cherry cake. Serve it up, maybe with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to bask in the compliments. Who knew baking could feel this rewarding?
Cherry Cake Substitutions & Variations
While the classic glazed cherry cake is undeniably delicious, experimenting with substitutions and variations can lead to exciting new flavors and textures.
For instance, if you’re not a fan of cherries, try using dried cranberries or apricots instead. You can also swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different nutty profile.
If you want a hint of spice, adding cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste. Additionally, using buttermilk instead of regular milk can make your cake even richer.
Don’t hesitate to mix in chocolate chips or a splash of orange juice for a zesty twist!
What to Serve with Cherry Cake
To enhance your cherry cake experience, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy texture complements the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it alongside a tart fruit salad for a revitalizing contrast. A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce can also elevate the flavors, adding richness.
For a cozy touch, enjoy it with a cup of hot tea or coffee; the warmth perfectly balances the cake’s cherry notes.
Trust me, these pairings will make your cherry cake even more delightful and memorable!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing your cherry cake with delightful accompaniments can truly enhance the overall experience.
I recommend serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted almonds on top.
If you want to elevate the flavors, consider drizzling a light almond glaze over the cake once it’s cooled. Remember, using quality ingredients, like fresh cherries or pure almond extract, makes a noticeable difference.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm spice twist.
Enjoy your baking!