Cherry Vanilla Cake is a delightful cake that combines the rich smooth flavor of vanilla with the sweetness of cherries.
This cake typically features a soft, moist vanilla base, often enhanced with a hint of almond extract to deepen the flavor.
The cherries, whether fresh, frozen, or preserved, are incorporated into the batter or used as a flavorful filling or topping. The result is a beautifully balanced cake with a tender crumb and bursts of fruity goodness in every bite.
It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own or dressed up with a simple glaze or frosting, making it a perfect choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
In this blog post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to make this delightful cake at home. From preparation to serving, I’ll cover it all. So let’s get started!
How To Prepare Cherry Vanilla Cake?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups pitted and chopped fresh cherries
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Special Note
When making this cake, ensure that the cherries are well-drained if using canned or thawed frozen cherries. Excess moisture can affect the cake’s texture, making it too dense or soggy.
Nutrition Facts Cherry Vanilla Cake (Per Serving)
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 95mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 53g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 5g |
Serving Suggestions
1. Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
I find that a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side enhances the cake’s flavor. The creamy coldness of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.
2. Top with Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the dense, rich cake perfectly.
3. Garnish with Fresh Cherries
For a finishing touch, garnish each slice with a couple of whole cherries. It adds a fresh pop of color and a bit of extra fruitiness.
Tips and Variations
1. Substitute with Frozen Cherries: If fresh cherries aren’t in season, you can substitute them with frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.
2. Add Almond Extract: For a slight twist on the flavor profile, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. It pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
3. Make It a Layer Cake: If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can double the recipe and create a four-layer cake. Just be sure to increase the frosting accordingly.
Conclusion
Cherry Vanilla Cake is a scrumptious and adaptable dessert that perfectly blends the timeless flavors of vanilla and cherry.
With its moist, tender crumb and bursts of lively cherry flavor, it stands out as an ideal choice for any event, whether it’s a casual family meal or a festive celebration.
Whether served plain, with a light glaze, or topped with frosting, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Its harmonious mix of flavors and textures guarantees a delightful bite every time, making it a cherished recipe in your baking collection.
Cherry Vanilla Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- 9-inch round cake pans,
- parchment paper,
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups pitted and chopped fresh cherries
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
- In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in the Cherries
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cake
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.