There’s something magical about a Simple Cherry Cake that can instantly transport you back to sunlit afternoons and laughter-filled gatherings. With its fluffy texture, sweet-tart cherries, and a dash of nostalgia, this cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or an impromptu get-together with friends. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner ideas recipe.
Picture this: the aroma of baked cherries wafts through your kitchen, mingling with the warm scent of vanilla. The first slice reveals a vibrant burst of color and flavor that simply screams happiness. Every bite feels like a little celebration, making it hard to resist going back for another piece.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Simple Cherry Cake comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels
- The blend of sweet cherries and soft cake creates an irresistible treat
- Its stunning look makes it a showstopper for any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed with coffee in the morning or as a dessert at dinner
I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. One even claimed it was “life-changing.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe cherries for the sweetest flavor; pit them for easy eating.
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple that provides structure; sift before measuring for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works best here, adding sweetness and moisture to the cake.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for optimal rise and fluffiness.
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it adds richness and flavor.
- Eggs: Large eggs are ideal; they bind the ingredients and add moisture.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla enhances the overall flavor—skip imitation if possible.
- Salt: A pinch balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the cake a lovely moist texture; feel free to use alternatives if needed.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with butter or nonstick spray — nobody likes a stuck cake!
Prepare Your Cherries: While the oven heats up, pit the fresh cherries and cut them in half. Set them aside to let their natural juices shine.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout your batter.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This aeration will help your cake rise beautifully.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate eggs one at a time into your butter mixture, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract next; it turns ordinary batter into something special.
Combine Mixtures with Milk: Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if there are still some lumps!
Fold in Cherries and Bake!: Gently fold those gorgeous cherry halves into your batter with a spatula. Pour everything into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Each step involves tantalizing scents filling your kitchen while you create something deliciously simple yet incredibly satisfying!
And voilà! You have yourself a delightful Simple Cherry Cake that not only tastes great but also brings back fond memories with every bite! Enjoy it warm on its own or dressed up with whipped cream or ice cream—your taste buds will thank you later!
You Must Know
- This Simple Cherry Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of summer in every bite
- The rich cherry flavor paired with a moist cake makes it stand out on any dessert table
- Plus, it’s simple enough for beginner bakers to master with ease
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by preheating your oven and preparing your baking pan. Mix dry ingredients first, then cream butter and sugar before gradually adding eggs and cherries.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. You could also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a cozy dessert.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen can be mushy
- Make sure to not overmix the batter to keep it light and fluffy
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing for clean pieces
I remember my first attempt at making this Simple Cherry Cake; I ended up covered in flour and laughter as my friends cheered me on. That cake turned out surprisingly delicious, and we devoured it all!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries in my Simple Cherry Cake?
Yes, but ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I make my Simple Cherry Cake more flavorful?
For more inspiration, check out this more dessert recipes recipe.
Consider adding a splash of almond extract or lemon zest to enhance the taste.
What is the best way to serve Simple Cherry Cake?
Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
Simple Cherry Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
This delightful Simple Cherry Cake is a nostalgic treat that brings the essence of summer right to your kitchen. With its fluffy texture and bursts of sweet-tart cherries, it’s perfect for any gathering, from family dinners to casual get-togethers. Serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream for an irresistible dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a cake pan.
- Pit and halve the fresh cherries; set them aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients alternately with milk until just combined (do not overmix).
- Gently fold in the cherry halves and pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg