The Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe I made was inspired by a delightful combination of vanilla and fresh cherries, creating a rich, flavorful dessert.
I came across this Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe on My Baking Addiction and instantly knew it would be delicious. Over the years, I’ve made this cake several times, each time refining the process to fit my taste.
I didn’t follow the recipe exactly as it is; instead, I made some adjustments, like adding extra cherries and using a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.
The result is a moist, fruit-infused cake that always impresses anyone who tries it. Here’s how I made Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe.
Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
This Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe combines the smooth richness of vanilla with the fresh, tart flavor of cherries for a delightful treat.
The moist, fluffy cake is made with butter, eggs, and a touch of vanilla, while chopped cherries add a burst of sweetness in every bite.
Topped with a creamy vanilla frosting, it’s a simple yet indulgent dessert. I made a few modifications to the original recipe, opting for cream cheese frosting to enhance the tangy flavor and using extra cherries for added juiciness.
The result is a beautifully textured cake that’s both delicious and visually appealing.
How To Prepare Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe?
To ensure your Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe turns out perfectly, let’s walk through each step together. I’ve broken down the process with clear instructions and visuals to guide you.
I’ve also shared a list of helpful kitchen tools that can make the process smoother though don’t worry if you don’t have them all! Just use what you have, and you’ll end up with a delicious cake.
Recipe Details
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 9-inch cake pans
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh pitted and chopped cherries
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, at room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
- 3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 2-3 teaspoons cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 9-inch cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. It’s important to get a nice, airy texture here.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the sour cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 5: Incorporate cherries
Fold in the chopped fresh cherries and the vegetable oil, ensuring that the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the cake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the frosting
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt together until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency. Stir in the cherry juice and vanilla extract. Adjust the sweetness and consistency with more powdered sugar or cherry juice, if necessary.
Step 8: Assemble the cake
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out for a clean finish. Decorate with extra cherries, if desired.
Notes:
◆ Cherries: Fresh cherries work best for this recipe, as they add moisture and sweetness to the cake. You can also use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter.
◆ Frosting Consistency: The frosting can be made thicker or thinner based on preference. Add more powdered sugar for a stiffer frosting or extra cherry juice for a slightly more runny frosting.
Nutrition Facts Of Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 31g |
| Protein | 3g |
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe because it perfectly blends the warmth of vanilla with the refreshing burst of cherries.
The moist texture and rich flavor make it a satisfying dessert, whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a celebration. The balance between the sweetness of the cake and the tangy cream cheese frosting elevates the overall experience.
The vibrant color and lovely aroma add to its charm. It’s a comforting, indulgent treat that always delivers, making it a favorite for so many.
Why My Recipe Works
This Cherry Vanilla Cake recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance between flavor and texture. The combination of butter, vanilla, and fresh cherries creates a rich, moist cake that isn’t overly sweet, while the cherries add a burst of freshness.
Using room temperature ingredients ensures a smooth, well-mixed batter that bakes evenly. Tossing the cherries in flour helps them stay suspended throughout the cake rather than sinking.
The creamy frosting complements the fruitiness, tying everything together. The subtle tweaks, like adding extra cherries and using cream cheese frosting, make it even more irresistible!
Serving Suggestions For Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
To elevate your Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe, serve it with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a creamy contrast. Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries pair wonderfully with the cake’s sweetness, adding a refreshing bite.
For a lighter touch, top each slice with freshly whipped cream. You can also layer the cake with cherry compote for an extra burst of flavor, or garnish with toasted almonds for added crunch and depth. These simple additions will make your cake even more delightful and impressive!
Tips And Tricks
➢ For the best flavor and texture, fresh or frozen cherries work better than maraschino cherries. Ensure they’re well-drained and chopped to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
➢ Before folding cherries into the batter, toss them in a little flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
➢ Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
➢ If your frosting is too thick, add a little heavy cream or milk; if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar until you achieve the desired readability.
➢ For a stronger cherry flavor in the frosting, mix in a few tablespoons of cherry juice, either from fresh cherries or maraschino cherries, for a subtle but tasty twist.
Additions For The Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
1. Chopped Almonds or Walnuts: Adding chopped nuts to the batter gives the cake an extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.
2. Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest in the batter can brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness of the cherries.
3. White Chocolate Chips: Stir in some white chocolate chips to the batter for added richness and a touch of sweetness that complements the cherries.
4. Maraschino Cherries: For an extra cherry kick, mix in some maraschino cherries, finely chopped, for both flavor and vibrant color.
5. Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut to the batter or frosting for a tropical twist that pairs well with the vanilla and cherries.
Variations To Try For Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
◆ Chocolate Cherry Cake: Add cocoa powder to the batter (about ¼ cup) for a chocolate-cherry fusion. The rich cocoa adds depth, making this cake a true treat for chocolate lovers.
◆ Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
◆ Vegan Cherry Vanilla Cake: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use non-dairy butter and cream cheese, and substitute buttermilk with almond or oat milk for a completely vegan option.
◆ Cherry Almond Cake: Add almond extract to the batter instead of vanilla for a cherry-almond flavor combination. You can also add sliced almonds on top for a lovely garnish.
◆ Chilled Cake with Fruit Compote: For a refreshing twist, serve the cake chilled with a homemade cherry or berry compote on top instead of frosting. This variation brings a fruity, lighter feel to the dessert.
How To Store Leftovers
To store leftover Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days if you’re planning to eat it soon.
For longer storage, refrigerate the Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe, where it will stay fresh for about 5 days. If you want to store it for an even longer period, freeze individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Conclucion
This Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, making it an easy and delicious option for any dessert lover.
With its moist texture, burst of cherries, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. I hope this Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe inspires you to give it a go you’ll love the results!
It’s one of those treats that’s not only satisfying but also fun to bake. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and indulging in it as much as I do. Enjoy!
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Sourdough Vanilla Cake Recipe [Starter Discard]
Best Vegan Vanilla Cake Recipe [With Frosting]
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Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch cake pans
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
- Toothpick or cake tester
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- ½ cup full-fat sour cream at room temperature
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk at room temperature
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups fresh pitted and chopped cherries
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, at room temperature
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, at room temperature
- 3-4 cups confectioners’ sugar adjust for desired sweetness
- 2-3 teaspoons cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 9-inch cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes on medium speed. It’s important to get a nice, airy texture here.
Step 3: Add eggs and vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the sour cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
Step 5: Incorporate cherries
- Fold in the chopped fresh cherries and the vegetable oil, ensuring that the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 28-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the frosting
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt together until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, until you reach a thick, spreadable consistency. Stir in the cherry juice and vanilla extract. Adjust the sweetness and consistency with more powdered sugar or cherry juice, if necessary.
Step 8: Assemble the cake
- Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place the first layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake, smoothing it out for a clean finish. Decorate with extra cherries, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Cherry Vanilla Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 31g |
| Protein | 3g |
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.