One of my best moments in the kitchen was when I baked the Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe for the first time. The combination of fresh, juicy cherries with the rich, vanilla-flavored cake created a perfect harmony of flavors.
As I mixed the ingredients, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, building anticipation. The cake baked to a golden perfection, and the homemade vanilla frosting added the ideal creamy touch.
The cherries not only added a burst of color but also a juicy, tart contrast to the cake’s sweetness. Each bite was a delightful experience that brought a smile to everyone’s face.
It’s a Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe I now cherish and love making for family gatherings, as it brings warmth, joy, and a little extra sweetness to the occasion.
How To Preparation Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: American
Calories: Approximately 400-450 calories per serving (based on serving size)
Yield: 16 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 & ¾ cups (330g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 & ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 & ½ cups cherries, pitted and chopped
- ⅓ cup (80mL) vegetable oil
- ½ cup (120g) full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (60g) cherry jam
- 1 cup fresh pitted and chopped cherries
How To Make Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper or lightly flour them.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Add Sour Cream & Oil:
Mix in the vegetable oil and sour cream until smooth.
7. Fold in Chopped Cherries:
Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to overmix the batter.
8. Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cakes:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Frosting:
While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat on medium speed. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
11. Assemble the Cake:
Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
12. Add Cherry Jam & Fresh Cherries:
Warm the cherry jam in the microwave for 20 seconds, then drizzle it over the top of the frosted cake. Garnish with the fresh chopped cherries.
13. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice and enjoy your delicious Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe!
Amazing Serving
For an amazing serving experience, try pairing the Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
You can also garnish each slice with extra fresh cherries or a drizzle of cherry sauce to enhance the flavor. For a more elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of edible flowers.
Serving it alongside a refreshing glass of iced tea or lemonade also makes for a delightful treat during summer gatherings or celebrations.
The versatility of this Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe allows you to get creative and make each serving uniquely special!
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 recipe, 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
The Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe was a complete success that exceeded my expectations. The flavors blended beautifully, and the texture was light and moist—exactly what I had hoped for.
Not only did it look stunning, but it also tasted as amazing as it smelled. Sharing the cake with friends and family was incredibly rewarding, and their smiles and compliments made the effort worthwhile.
This Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe has now become one of my favorites to make, and I’m proud of how it turned out. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a memorable treat for any occasion.
My success in the kitchen with this Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe has boosted my confidence and inspired me to continue exploring new recipes!
More Delicious Vanilla Cake Recipes
Vanilla Mayonnaise Cake Recipe
Vanilla Wafer Cake Recipe Without Coconut
Vanilla Cake Recipe Dairy-Free
Strawberry and Vanilla Cake Recipe
Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pans (2)
- Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 & ¾ cups 330g all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 & ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 & ½ cups cherries pitted and chopped
- ⅓ cup 80mL vegetable oil
- ½ cup 120g full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
For the Vanilla Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup 60g cherry jam
- 1 cup fresh pitted and chopped cherries
Instructions
Preheat Oven & Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper or lightly flour them.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter & Sugar:
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed.
Add Eggs & Vanilla:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Add Sour Cream & Oil:
- Mix in the vegetable oil and sour cream until smooth.
Fold in Chopped Cherries:
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting:
- While the cake cools, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the unsalted butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, and continue to beat on medium speed. Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (or milk) to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one of the cakes. Place the second cake on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Add Cherry Jam & Fresh Cherries:
- Warm the cherry jam in the microwave for 20 seconds, then drizzle it over the top of the frosted cake. Garnish with the fresh chopped cherries.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Slice and enjoy your delicious Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe!