The Dreamy Cherry Cake Recipe Everyone Can Master

Sweet memories often bloom around a classic cherry cake that brings joy to every gathering.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this delightful dessert with care and passion.

Ripe, juicy cherries nestled in a soft, buttery crumb create pure culinary magic.

Each slice tells a story of comfort and warmth.

Baking becomes an art when simple ingredients combine with love and precision.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone closer.

Ingredients You Need For Cherry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cherry cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning and caramelization.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Ricotta Cheese: Creates a moist and tender crumb with a subtle creamy flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor that complements the cherries.

• Fresh Cherries: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and a burst of fruity flavor throughout the cake.

• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that adds a decorative and sweet finish to the cake.

How To Make Cherry Cake The Simple Way

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up the oven to 350F. Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

In a large bowl, whip eggs and ricotta until smooth and creamy. Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Incorporate Cherries

Carefully fold in most of the halved cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 6: Fill Cake Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Scatter remaining cherry halves across the top of the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Gently transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Step 9: Final Touch

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cake just before serving for an elegant finish.

Helpful Tricks For Baking Cherry Cake

• Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and sweetness in your cake.
• Drain cherries well before adding to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake's texture.
• Fold cherries gently into the batter to avoid breaking them and maintain their shape.
• Substitute ricotta with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the cake.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Fun Ways To Change Up Cherry Cake

• Almond Cherry Sensation: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty crunch.
• Chocolate Cherry Dream: Mix 1/4 cup cocoa powder into the dry ingredients and use dark chocolate chips alongside cherries for a rich flavor profile.
• Lemon Cherry Burst: Add fresh lemon zest to the batter and drizzle a light lemon glaze over the cooled cake for a citrusy brightness.
• Spiced Cherry Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy taste that complements the cherries.

Perfect Pairings To Enjoy With Cherry Cake

• Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Indulge in a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, its light and sweet profile perfectly complementing the cherry cake's fruity and rich texture.
• Complement with Creamy Vanilla Gelato: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla gelato alongside the cake, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and enhancing the cake's cherry flavors.
• Match with Almond-Infused Coffee: Brew a hot cup of almond-flavored coffee to add a nutty dimension that harmonizes with the cake's delicate sweetness and fruity notes.
• Enhance with Mascarpone Cream: Prepare a light mascarpone cream as a side accompaniment, offering a luxurious and velvety texture that elevates the cake's overall taste experience.

How To Keep Cherry Cake Fresh And Tasty

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep cake away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep at room temperature in a cake dome or covered container for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and softness.

Everything You Want To Know About Cherry Cake

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

• Why do I need to fold cherries gently into the batter?

Gentle folding helps prevent breaking the cherries and keeps the cake’s texture light and uniform without creating heavy streaks of fruit throughout.

• What type of cherries work best for this cake?

Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are ideal. They provide a nice balance of sweetness and create beautiful color in the cake.

• How do I know if the ricotta is the right consistency for the recipe?

Use room temperature ricotta that’s smooth and creamy. If it looks grainy, briefly whisk it to create a uniform texture before mixing with eggs.

Why Cherry Cake Is Always A Crowd Favorite

• Savor Simple Baking: This cherry cake recipe offers straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master with confidence.
• Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Fresh cherries transform this cake into a perfect summer dessert that captures the essence of ripe, juicy fruit.
• Create Family-Friendly Treat: The recipe's uncomplicated ingredients and minimal preparation make it an ideal sweet treat for sharing with loved ones during gatherings or casual afternoons.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Whether served as a light breakfast pastry, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, this cherry cake adapts beautifully to different occasions and meal settings.

Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet cherries dance through this classic Cherry Cake, bringing Mediterranean warmth to your dessert table. Rich layers of buttery cake and juicy fruit create a delightful indulgence you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt

Primary Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups (300 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• Powdered sugar for optional dusting

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and flour coating.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. In a separate large bowl, blend eggs and ricotta until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Incorporate melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg-ricotta mixture, mixing until well integrated.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.
6. Carefully fold half of the halved cherries into the cake batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it uniformly.
8. Artfully arrange the remaining cherry halves across the top of the batter for visual appeal.
9. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
10. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
11. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature.
12. Optional: Dust the top with a delicate layer of powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the most flavorful cake, preferably using fresh seasonal cherries when possible.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake light and tender, stirring just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
• Pat the cherries dry with paper towels before adding to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s soft texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg