Cherry Cake

Here is an appetizing introduction to the recipe, ranging from 350-500 characters, written before any headings. Cherry cake is a delightful dessert that balances the sweetness of ripe cherries with a soft, buttery cake. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon tea, this cake is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. With its vibrant color and rich flavor, it’s sure to impress your family and friends, making every slice a special treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe yields 8 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while the cooking time is approximately 40 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein. This is based on one person serving size.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
7. Gently fold in the halved cherries until evenly distributed.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Additionally, for a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving and Pairings

This cherry cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It can also be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cherry cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Cooking Mistakes

• Not properly measuring flour can result in a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough texture.
• Using unpitted cherries can ruin the cake experience.
• Skipping the cooling step before icing may cause the frosting to melt.
• Not preheating the oven can affect baking time and texture.

Helpful Tips

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor.
• For a richer taste, add almond extract along with vanilla.
• Dust the cake with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful finish.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the cake evenly.
• Let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use cherry pie filling, but reduce the sugar in the recipe as the filling is usually sweetened.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature.

What can I do with leftover cake?

Leftover cake can be stored in the fridge or frozen for later enjoyment. It’s great for snacking or dessert later!

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cherry cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to eat.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cherry cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of cherries and the moistness of cake, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a simple treat at home, this cake is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of cherry goodness!

Cherry Cake

A delightful cherry cake that combines sweet, ripe cherries with a moist cake base, perfect for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cherry cake, dessert, baking, fruit

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
• Gently fold in the halved cherries until evenly distributed.
• Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g