Delicious slices of homemade Simple Cherry Cake with fresh cherries on top

Simple Cherry Cake

Posted: Emily Wilk

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Simple Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweet and tart essence of cherries in a soft, fluffy cake. This recipe is perfect for beginners and promises a warm, home-baked experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. You’ll love how easy it is to create this treat that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Simple Cherry Cake

Time Needed for This Recipe

Time is an essential component when preparing any dish. Here’s an estimate of how long it will take:

  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 45-60 minutes
  • Cooling time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients List For Simple Cherry Cake

To make this appetizing Simple Cherry Cake, gather the following ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 oz butter (softened)
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 4 cups fresh sweet cherries (pitted and halved)

Simple Cherry Cake Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Simple Cherry Cake.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a springform or round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt; mix until smooth and combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stop just when combined.

5. Layer the Batter and Cherries

Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the cherries on top, then add the remaining batter, finishing with the rest of the cherries on top.

6. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

7. Cool

Let the cake cool on a wire rack before serving.

Simple Cherry Cake

Reasons You’ll Love Simple Cherry Cake

  1. Delicious Flavor: The balance of sweet and tart cherries makes every bite delightful.
  2. Easy to Make: Perfect for bakers of all levels, requiring minimal steps and ingredients.
  3. Versatile Dessert: Great for gatherings, picnics, or as a simple family treat.
  4. Crowd-Pleaser: Appeals to various tastes, satisfying both children and adults alike.
  5. Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh cherries promotes a wholesome touch to your dessert.

Easy Variations For Simple Cherry Cake

  • Mixed Berry Cake: Substitute cherries with a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a berry medley.
  • Nutty Addition: Fold in crushed almonds or pecans for added texture.
  • Chocolate Drizzle: Top the cooled cake with melted chocolate for a rich dessert experience.
  • Spiced Version: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth to the flavor profile.
  • Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.

How To Serve Simple Cherry Cake

Simple Cherry Cake can be enjoyed in several ways:

  • Serve plain for a humble yet delicious treat.
  • Top with whipped cream for added richness.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that truly shines.
  • Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
  • Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

How To Store Simple Cherry Cake

Here are some tips on how to properly store your Simple Cherry Cake:

  1. Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  2. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator if keeping it longer, but make sure it’s covered to prevent drying out.
  3. Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Slice for Convenience: Slice the cake before freezing for easy portions.
  5. Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight before serving.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips For Simple Cherry Cake

  1. Choose Ripe Cherries: Use fresh and ripe cherries for the best flavor and sweetness.
  2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
  3. Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
  4. Check for Doneness: Each oven is different; start checking at the 40-minute mark.
  5. Add Zest: For a citrusy flavor, incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter.

Expert Tips for Success with Simple Cherry Cake

  1. Sifting the Flour: Always sift the flour for a lighter cake with a better texture.
  2. Use a Scale: Weighing ingredients can improve accuracy and consistency.
  3. Cherries Placement: Make sure cherries are evenly distributed throughout the cake for balanced flavor.
  4. Use Quality Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall taste.
  5. Avoid Overbaking: To keep the cake moist, avoid baking it too long.

Simple Cherry Cake: Background & Cultural Inspiration

(1) The history of Cherry Cake reflects age-old traditions of using seasonal fruits in desserts, common in various cultures.
(2) The recipe evolved as bakers began to incorporate techniques and ingredients from different regions, leading to its modern spin.

This cake remains meaningful today as it brings families together, celebrating the joys of home baking and shared moments.

Simple Cherry Cake: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use frozen cherries?
    Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Make sure to thaw and drain them before use.

  2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
    Yes, use a good-quality gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

  3. How long does Simple Cherry Cake last?
    It can last up to 3 days at room temperature, or longer if refrigerated or frozen.

  4. What can I serve with Simple Cherry Cake?
    It pairs well with whipped cream, ice cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Wrap-Up Notes

Making a Simple Cherry Cake is an accessible and fulfilling baking experience that anyone can enjoy. The delightful combination of cherries and cake creates a warm, inviting dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With some simple ingredients and steps, you can create a lovely treat to share with your loved ones. So, roll up your sleeves and bake this delicious cake to bring joy to your table!

Delicious slices of homemade Simple Cherry Cake with fresh cherries on top

Simple Cherry Cake

ee8d2c4fa85a1f7e263a052ae6581b29e45d88341ce9275f54b8d86f6180e5af?s=30&d=mm&r=gEmily Wilk
A delightful dessert combining the sweet and tart essence of cherries in a soft, fluffy cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 oz butter (softened)
  • 0.75 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs at room temperature
  • 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract use quality vanilla
  • 0.5 cup Greek yogurt
  • 4 cups fresh sweet cherries (pitted and halved) use fresh ripe cherries

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a springform or round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
  • In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt; mix until smooth and combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; stop just when combined.
  • Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer half of the cherries on top, then add the remaining batter, finishing with the rest of the cherries on top.

Baking

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Cooling

  • Let the cake cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

Store at room temperature covered for up to 3 days, refrigerate for longer. For freezing, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22g
Keyword Baking, Cherry Cake, Dessert Recipe, Easy Cake, Home Baking
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