Deliciously Moist Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe

Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of vanilla with the bright, fruity notes of cherries.

To make this cake, you start by creaming together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then adding eggs one at a time along with a splash of vanilla extract.

The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt—are mixed in alternately with milk, resulting in a smooth batter.

Chopped fresh or canned cherries are folded in for bursts of juicy sweetness. The batter is poured into a greased cake pan and baked until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once cooled, the cake can be frosted with a vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting and decorated with additional cherries for a beautiful and delicious finish.

How To Preparation Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe?

Recipe Overview

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Yield: 12 servings

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9-inch round cake pans (2)
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Spatula
• Cake leveler (optional)

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 ½ cups cherries, pitted and chopped

For the Vanilla Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• A few cherries for garnish (optional)

How To Make Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe

1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Mix in vanilla extract for a rich flavor.

5. Alternate Flour and Milk
On low speed, gradually add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk in two parts. Mix just until combined.

6. Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in chopped cherries with a spatula, ensuring even distribution.

7. Bake the Cake
Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. Cool the Cakes
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

9. Make Vanilla Frosting
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla and heavy cream. Beat until fluffy, adjusting consistency with more cream if needed.

10. Assemble and Frost
Place one cake layer on a plate, frost the top, then add the second layer. Frost the top and sides, and garnish with fresh cherries if desired.

What Is The Secret Of Soft And Fluffy Cake?

The secret to a soft and fluffy cake lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar, using the right ratio of ingredients, and avoiding overmixing the batter.

Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, creating a tender crumb. Additionally, alternating wet and dry ingredients helps achieve a balanced texture.

Lastly, be gentle with the batter—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix just until combined.

What Kind Of Cherry Is Used In Cakes?

The most commonly used cherries in cakes are Maraschino cherries, which are sweet and often preserved in syrup.

Fresh cherries, such as Bing or Rainier, can also be used for a more natural flavor, especially in seasonal recipes. Dried cherries and sour cherries are sometimes used in specific recipes to add a tart contrast.

How To Store

To store Cherry Vanilla Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, where it will stay fresh for about a week.

To preserve it for up to three months, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe is a delightful dessert that masterfully blends the classic richness of vanilla with the vibrant sweetness of cherries.

Its tender texture and sumptuous flavor make it a versatile choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration.

The cake’s elegant simplicity means it’s perfect either plain or with a frosting, catering to a variety of tastes.

Whether you serve it with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a generous layer of rich frosting, Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe is sure to captivate with its perfect balance of sweetness and fruity charm.

More Delicious Vanilla Cake Recipes

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Strawberry and Vanilla Cake Recipe