Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cake Recipe
When you take your first bite of this cherry cake, you’ll immediately understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet, tart bursts of glazed cherries creates a delightful harmony that dances on your taste buds.
I love how moist and tender each slice is, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors.
Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this cherry cake always brings smiles. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to bake it again and again!
Ingredients of Cherry Cake
When it comes to baking a cherry cake, the ingredients are what truly set the stage for a delicious treat. Imagine this: a cake that’s not just a cake, but a sweet, buttery masterpiece loaded with delightful cherries.
It’s simple, really. You just need a few basic pantry staples and some cherries to create this wonderful dessert. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this cherry cake 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, before you rush off to the store, there are a couple of things to keep in mind about the ingredients. First off, make sure your butter is softened; it really helps when you’re creaming it with sugar to get that lovely, fluffy texture.
And about those cherries – I know they mightn’t be the star of the show in every dessert, but trust me, they deserve the spotlight here. If you can’t find glazed cherries, you could use fresh or frozen ones, but you might want to adjust the sugar since fresh cherries can be a bit tart.
Remember, baking is all about balance! And please, for the love of baking, don’t skip the almond extract. It adds such a nice depth of flavor that you won’t want to miss.
How to Make Cherry Cake
When you’re ready to immerse yourself in making this delightful Cherry Cake, it all starts with a little prep work. Grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started.
First things first, you’re going to want to cream together 1 1/2 cups of softened butter and 1 1/2 cups of sugar. This is where the magic begins! Use an electric mixer if you have one; it saves your arm from turning into spaghetti. Beat those two together until the mixture looks light and fluffy, almost like a cloud. Imagine you’re whisking away your worries, and before you know it, you’ll have a lovely, creamy base.
Next up, it’s time to introduce the eggs—4 of them, to be exact. Crack them in one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, throw in 1 teaspoon of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of lemon flavoring. Yes, it might seem like a lot of flavor, but trust me, it’s not. It’s what makes this cake sing.
Once that’s all mixed together, it’s time to tackle the dry ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of warm milk. It’s like a dance; add a little flour, then a splash of milk, back and forth until everything is well combined.
Now, for the pièce de résistance—16 ounces of dried, glazed cherries. Gently fold them into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. This is where your cake gets its vibrant personality.
Once everything is mixed, pour the batter into a greased baking pan and pop it into a preheated oven at 325°F. Set your timer for an hour, but don’t wander too far—you’ll want to check on it occasionally. The cake is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
And there you have it—a cherry cake that’s not just a dessert, but a reflection of your baking prowess. Enjoy every slice and brace yourself for the compliments that are sure to follow.
Cherry Cake Substitutions & Variations
After whipping up that delightful cherry cake, you might find yourself wanting to experiment a bit.
You can swap out the dried cherries for fresh or frozen ones, adjusting baking time as needed. If you’re looking for a different flavor, try adding chocolate chips or even swapping almond extract for orange or coconut.
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also play with the sugar by using honey or agave syrup.
Each variation brings a new twist, making your cherry cake uniquely yours! Don’t hesitate to get creative!
What to Serve with Cherry Cake
To elevate your cherry cake experience, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess contrasts beautifully with the cake’s rich flavors, enhancing each bite.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it alongside a tart cherry sauce for an extra zing. Fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or raspberries, also complements the sweetness of the cake while adding a revitalizing touch.
Finally, a cup of coffee or tea can balance the dessert’s richness, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Enjoy experimenting with these delightful pairings!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing cherry cake with delightful accompaniments enhances the overall dessert experience, but there are also some helpful tips to keep in mind while baking.
First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. I recommend sifting the flour and baking powder together to avoid lumps.
When adding the cherries, fold them gently into the batter to maintain their shape. If you prefer a moister cake, consider adding a splash of cherry juice.
Finally, keep an eye on your oven; baking times can vary. Enjoy the process, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!