As the sun begins to dip below the horizon and I hear the soft, familiar sound of birds settling in for the night, my thoughts drift to something truly delightful: baking. There’s an undeniable joy in creating a simple, yet utterly scrumptious dessert that fills the house with warmth and sweetness—the kind of comfort that envelopes you like a hug. Enter my Simple Cherry Cake. With its rich buttery flavor and bursts of juicy cherries, this cake is a celebration of everything I love about home cooking.
I can’t help but smile as I imagine friends gathering around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a slice of this vibrant cake. What’s more, it comes together effortlessly, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a few staple ingredients and about an hour of your time, you can whip up a dessert that beautifully balances indulgence with simplicity. Whether it’s a weekday treat or a special occasion, this cake is bound to impress and elevate your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive into the flavors that await!
Why You'll Love This Simple Cherry Cake
- This Simple Cherry Cake is incredibly easy to make, requiring only a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep time.
- The delightful combination of buttery cake and fresh cherries offers a flavor that is both rich and refreshing, making every bite a true indulgence.
- Its vibrant appearance, adorned with cherries, makes it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering and sure to impress your guests.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be paired with ice cream or whipped cream, elevating it to the next level of deliciousness.
- Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Simple Cherry Cake Ingredients
• Get ready to make a delicious treat!
For the Cake Batter
- Fresh cherries – 2 cups, pitted and halved; the star ingredient that offers juiciness and natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups; this will give your cake a light and fluffy texture.
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup; it adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cherries.
- Baking powder – 2 tsp; this helps the cake rise and become airy.
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened; it creates a rich, buttery flavor essential for a perfect cake.
- Large eggs – 3, room temperature; they contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp; enhances the overall taste with its warm, aromatic flavor.
- Salt – Pinch; a small amount helps to elevate all the flavors in the Simple Cherry Cake.
For the Decoration
- Extra cherries – save half of your pitted cherries for a beautiful topping; they’ll add color and charm!
How to Make Simple Cherry Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This will ensure your cake releases easily once baked and has a lovely outer texture.
Prepare the cherries by rinsing them under cool water. Pat them dry, pit, and halve them. Set aside half for decoration, adding a sweet touch to your cake’s presentation!
Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a delightful, airy texture in your cake.
Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor to complement the cherries.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed, ensuring a smooth batter.
Fold in most of the cherries with a gentle hand until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and top with the reserved cherries for a beautiful finish.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your cake will turn golden brown and fill your home with a warm, aromatic scent!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Simple Cherry Cake Variations
Get ready to explore the endless possibilities for customizing your cake with these delightful twists!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a cake everyone can enjoy. This way, celiacs can indulge without worry.
Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter for extra texture and flavor. The crunch will beautifully contrast the cake’s softness.
Coconut Bliss: Incorporate ½ cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
Lemon Zest: Mix in 1 tablespoon of freshly grated lemon zest for a refreshing citrus note. It brightens the overall flavor and enhances the vibrant cherry taste.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent touch. The richness of chocolate makes for a delicious marriage of flavors!
Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use vegan butter. You’ll still achieve a moist, delightful cake.
Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for unexpected warmth. This spice pairs beautifully with cherries and makes your cake truly unique.
Berry Medley: Mix in half a cup of raspberries or blueberries along with the cherries for a berry-packed delight. The combination creates a colorful, fruity masterpiece that’s perfect for summer gatherings!
How to Store and Freeze Simple Cherry Cake
Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container to keep it moist and delicious.
Fridge: For longer freshness, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, wrapped tightly to prevent drying.
Freezer: You can freeze the Simple Cherry Cake for up to 3 months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil for optimal freshness.
Reheating: To enjoy your cake warm, simply reheating individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds will bring back its delightful flavors.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Simple Cherry Cake ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time and enjoy a delicious dessert with minimal effort! You can mix the cake batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Just be sure to hold off on adding the cherries until you’re ready to bake, as this helps prevent excess moisture. Alternatively, once the cake is baked and cooled, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply slice and enjoy, or warm it briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste. This way, your Simple Cherry Cake remains just as delicious, allowing you more time to savor those precious moments with loved ones!
What to Serve with Simple Cherry Cake?
As the warm, sweet aroma of cherries wafts through your home, you might be wondering what to accompany this delightful dessert for the perfect finish to your meal.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of airy whipped cream adds a luscious softness that beautifully complements the cake’s texture.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool goodness of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cake, creating a satisfying contrast.
Fresh Berries: Serve alongside a medley of fresh berries for an extra burst of tartness that enhances the cherry flavors.
Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling rich chocolate sauce gives a decadent touch, elevating the cake into a more indulgent dessert.
Coffee or Espresso: A fragrant cup of coffee or espresso brings out the cake’s flavors while adding a sophisticated element to your dessert experience.
Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves not only brings a pop of color but also adds a refreshing finish to each bite.
Lemon Zest: A light sprinkle of lemon zest over the cake brightens and amplifies its cherry notes, offering an invigorating flavor twist.
Imagine sharing these simple pairings with loved ones, creating moments of joy over slices of your Simple Cherry Cake!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Simple Cherry Cake, be sure to cream the butter and sugar for a full 3 minutes to achieve a light and airy texture, which is essential for a delicious cake.
- Avoid overmixing once you add the flour mixture to prevent a dense final product; mix until just combined.
- Use room temperature eggs as they incorporate more easily into the batter, contributing to the cake’s moisture and rise.
- Finally, keep an eye on the cake during baking; start checking for doneness at the 35-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
Simple Cherry Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cherries for my Simple Cherry Cake?
Absolutely! Look for fresh cherries that are firm to the touch and have a vibrant color; a rich crimson hue often indicates they are ripe. Avoid any with dark spots all over, as those may be overripe or spoiled. If possible, try tasting one before baking to ensure it’s sweet and juicy.
How should I store my Simple Cherry Cake?
To keep your Simple Cherry Cake moist and delicious, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to preserve it for a longer duration, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to 1 week.
Can I freeze my Simple Cherry Cake?
Yes, you can! I often freeze my cakes, and the Simple Cherry Cake holds up beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What should I do if my cake is too dense?
Very! If your cake comes out a bit dense, there could be a few reasons. Make sure you’re not overmixing once you add the flour, as overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Additionally, ensure that your butter is adequately creamed with sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Lastly, using room temperature eggs helps create a more tender crumb!
Are there any dietary considerations for the Simple Cherry Cake?
Great question! This cake contains common allergens like eggs and gluten (from the all-purpose flour). If a guest has an egg allergy, you can experiment with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg substitute. Those who are gluten-sensitive could try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which typically substitutes well in cakes!
How about serving suggestions for the Simple Cherry Cake?
Oh, the more the merrier! Serve your Simple Cherry Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for an elegant finishing touch!
Simple Cherry Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Prepare the cherries by rinsing them under cool water. Pat them dry, pit, and halve them.
- Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed.
- Fold in most of the cherries with a gentle hand until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and top with the reserved cherries.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.