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dessert

Cherry Cake

By Grandma Millie

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A freshly baked cherry cake with cherries on top, displayed on a wooden table.

Cherry cake is a soft, moist dessert filled with juicy cherries and a tender vanilla-scented crumb. Made with simple pantry ingredients and a hint of almond flavor, each slice delivers sweet, fruity goodness in every bite. Finished with a bright cherry glaze, cherry cake is an easy homemade treat perfect for brunch, gatherings, or anytime you crave a comforting, fruit-filled dessert.

Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 1 hr
Serves: 8 servings
Calories: 250

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Cherry Cake

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Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
cooling
10 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (gives the cake structure)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (helps the cake rise)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (for sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened for creaminess)
  • 2 large eggs (for binding the ingredients)
  • 1/2 cup milk (adds moisture)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
  • 1 cup pitted fresh or frozen cherries (the star ingredient!)

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch round cake panGreased for baking
  • 1 Mixing bowlFor mixing ingredients
  • 1 whiskFor mixing dry ingredients
  • 1 SpatulaFor folding in cherries

Method

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. 3

    Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. 4

    In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

  5. 5

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

  6. 6

    Gently fold in the pitted cherries.

  7. 7

    Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  8. 8

    Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories250
Fat10g
Protein3g
Carbs38g

Why You’ll Love This cherry cake

  • Deliciously moist with fresh cherries in every bite.
  • Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up anytime.
  • Perfect for celebrations or a cozy family dessert.
  • Bright, fruity flavor that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Get ready to bake a delightful cherry cake with this simple ingredient list!

A collection of ingredients for cherry cake displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – gives the cake structure
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened for creaminess
  • 2 large eggs – for binding the ingredients
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the cake rise
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
  • 1/2 cup milk – adds moisture
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances flavor
  • 1 cup pitted fresh or frozen cherries – the star ingredient!

How to Make Cherry Cake

This delightful cherry cake is a perfect treat for any occasion. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30–35 minutes, you’ll have a delicious homemade cake ready to enjoy in no time. Allow it to cool for an additional 10 minutes before serving, making it a total of around 1 hour from start to finish!

Step-by-step process of making cherry cake, divided into four sections showing preheating the oven, creaming butter and sugar, adding eggs and vanilla, and mixing dry ingredients.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the pitted cherries.

Step 7: Pour and Smooth

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Extra Time10 minutes (cooling)
Total Time60 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves8
Best ServedChilled or at room temperature

Pro Tips for Making cherry cake

  • Choose fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.
  • Lightly coat cherries in flour to prevent sinking.
  • Don’t overmix the batter for a tender crumb.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
  • Experiment with almond extract for a delightful twist.

How to Serve this cherry cake

  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
  • Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.
  • Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
  • Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the cake to cool completely.
  • Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

  • Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
  • Label with the date and type of cake.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Place the cake on a baking sheet.
  • Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a slice of homemade cherry cake to brighten your day! With its moist texture and burst of fresh cherry flavor, this recipe is a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner baker, and enjoy the sweet rewards of your efforts. Happy baking!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What is the 1234 cake rule?
The 1234 cake rule is a simple guideline for making a basic cake. It refers to the ratio of ingredients: 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. This rule helps bakers remember the proportions needed for a moist and delicious cake. While this rule is great for a classic cake, feel free to adapt it when making your cherry cake by incorporating fresh cherries for added flavor and moisture!
Can you put fresh cherries in a fruit cake?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful addition to a fruit cake. They add a burst of flavor and a lovely color. Just make sure to pit the cherries before adding them to the batter. You can also toss them in a bit of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. This will help distribute the cherries evenly throughout your cherry cake, making every bite a treat!
What is the most delicious cake in the world?
Taste is subjective, but many people rave about chocolate cake, red velvet cake, and of course, cherry cake! Each cake has its own unique flavor profile and texture that can appeal to different palates. Cherry cake, with its moist crumb and sweet-tart cherries, is often a favorite for those who love fruity desserts. It’s all about personal preference, so why not try a few and decide for yourself?
What’s the origin of cherry cake?
Cherry cake has a rich history and is believed to have originated in Europe, particularly in Germany and England, where cherries were abundant. Traditionally, it was made to celebrate special occasions and often featured in holiday festivities. Over time, various recipes have emerged, each adding its own twist to this classic dessert. Today, cherry cake is loved worldwide for its delightful flavor and versatility, making it a popular choice for gatherings and celebrations!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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