What makes a classic cherry cake truly unforgettable? This homemade masterpiece features a moist cake, rich white frosting, and juicy cherries on top, all made easy with simple ingredients like fresh cherries and creamy butter. Save this idea for your next family favorite dessert.

two pictures of a cake with white frosting and cherries on the top one has a slice missing from it

Introduction

This delightful dessert is a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance, perfect for any occasion. The combination of moist cake, creamy white frosting, and sweet cherries on top creates a flavor and texture balance that will leave everyone wanting more. What’s more, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only everyday ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The cake, frosting, and cherries work together in perfect harmony, and all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is surprisingly simple to prepare, with straightforward steps that are hard to mess up.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result looks like it came from a professional bakery, but it can be achieved with just a few hours of work, making it perfect for special occasions or last-minute gatherings.

Key Ingredients

To make this stunning cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. For the cake itself, you’ll need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. For the frosting, you’ll need powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and a splash of milk or cream. Finally, for the topping, you’ll need fresh or maraschino cherries. Don’t worry if you don’t have all of these ingredients on hand – most of them are common pantry staples, and you can easily substitute the cherries with other fruits or decorations if you prefer.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and greasing two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter until it’s creamy, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: To make the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until it’s creamy, then gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the milk or cream, starting with a small amount and adding more as needed, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
4. Step 4: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Arrange the cherries on top of the cake in a pattern that looks appealing to you, and serve.

Handy Tips

• To ensure that your cake layers are even and flat, make sure to level them after they’ve cooled. You can do this by placing the cakes on a flat surface and using a serrated knife to carefully trim any domed or uneven parts.
• If you’re not using your frosting right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the frosting to come to room temperature before using.
• To prevent your cherries from sinking into the frosting, pat them dry with a paper towel before arranging them on top of the cake.

Heat Control

When baking the cake, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing to ensure that the cakes are cooked through but not overcooked. The ideal temperature is 350°F (180°C), and the cakes should be baked for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean. If you’re unsure whether the cakes are done, you can also check for doneness by gently pressing on the top of each cake – if it feels firm and springs back quickly, it’s ready.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this cake is moist and tender, with a smooth and creamy frosting. To achieve this, make sure to not overmix the batter, and don’t overbake the cakes. You can also add some texture to the frosting by beating in some chopped nuts or shredded coconut, if you like.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure that your cake releases easily from the pans, make sure to grease the pans thoroughly and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• If you’re having trouble getting the frosting to spread smoothly, try warming it up by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water for a few seconds.
• To add some extra flavor to the cake, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a handful of chopped nuts to the batter.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months.
• If you need to reheat the cake, you can do so by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and microwaving for 10-15 seconds, or until warmed through.
• The frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake is perfect for gifting to friends and family, and can be packaged in a variety of ways to make it look extra special. Try placing the cake in a decorative cake box or tin, and topping it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries. You could also wrap the cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie it with a ribbon, or place it in a gift basket filled with other sweet treats.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract or a handful of chopped nuts to the batter for added flavor and texture.
• Use different types of fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, in place of the cherries for a different twist.
• Add a splash of liqueur, such as Kahlua or Grand Marnier, to the frosting for a grown-up twist.

Troubleshooting

• If your cake is too dense or dry, it may be due to overmixing the batter or overbaking the cakes. Try adjusting the mixing time and baking time to see if that improves the texture.
• If your frosting is too thin or too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk.
• If your cherries are sinking into the frosting, try patting them dry with a paper towel before arranging them on top of the cake.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen for up to 2 months, and the frosting can be frozen for up to 2 months as well.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this cake contains gluten due to the all-purpose flour. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative if you need to.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

This cake is a true showstopper, with its moist and tender texture, smooth and creamy frosting, and beautiful presentation. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its ease and elegance. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs as you present this stunning cake to your loved ones. Happy baking!