There’s something truly irresistible about a slice of homemade cherry cake. Maybe it’s the sweet and slightly tart flavor of the cherries, or perhaps it’s the tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whatever the reason, cherry cake always feels like a special treat.
This recipe will guide you through baking a perfect cherry cake, bursting with fresh cherry flavor, that will impress your family and friends. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and I’ll be sharing some tips and tricks to guarantee a moist and delicious cake every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For this recipe, you’ll need fresh cherries, but you can also use frozen ones if needed. Here’s a complete list of ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup pitted and halved fresh cherries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Cherry cake batter being mixed in a bowl
Equipment You’ll Need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Toothpick
Baking the Perfect Cherry Cake: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. For easy removal later, line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 6: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold the cherries into the batter using a rubber spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cherry cake baking in the oven
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and free of lumps.
Step 10: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake is completely cool, pour the glaze over the top and allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for the Best Cherry Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk. This helps create a smooth and well-combined batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen cherries work well too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the batter.
- Glaze Variations: Get creative with the glaze! You can add a tablespoon of melted butter for richness, or swap the milk for cherry juice for an extra burst of cherry flavor.
FAQs about Making Cherry Cake:
Can I use a different type of pan?
While a 9×13 inch pan is recommended, you can use a bundt pan or even bake the batter in muffin tins for individual cherry cakes. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I use a different type of cherry?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of cherry! Bing cherries, Rainier cherries, or even tart cherries would all be delicious in this cake.
How should I store leftover cherry cake?
Store any leftover cherry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy Your Homemade Cherry Cake!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. If you’re looking for variations with cherries, check out this recipe on how to make a delicious cherry almond cake. Baking a cake from scratch is a rewarding experience, and this cherry cake is no exception.
Slice of cherry cake on a plate
