Simple Cherry Cake Recipe: A Sweet Burst of Homemade Joy

Sweet memories dance through every slice of this cherry cake that promises pure delight.

Bakers seeking simple pleasures will adore this classic dessert.

Ripe cherries burst with summer’s warmth, nestled in a tender crumb.

Soft and moist textures await you in each delectable bite.

Kitchen adventures call with minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Whisking together flour, sugar, and love creates magic on your plate.

Simple Cherry Cake Essentials

• Customize with Ease: Swap out cherries for other seasonal fruits or make it gluten-free with a simple flour substitution, offering maximum flexibility for bakers of all skill levels.
• Packed with Flavor: Greek yogurt adds a delightful tangy moisture, creating a rich and tender cake that stands out from traditional dense baked goods.
• Master Baker's Dream: Simple techniques like proper flour measurement and careful mixing ensure a professional-quality cake that looks and tastes incredible, even for home bakers with minimal experience.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for casual gatherings, weekend brunches, or a sweet family dessert that everyone will love and request again and again.

Ingredients for Simple Cherry Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Greek Yogurt: Contributes moisture and a tangy flavor to the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Fresh Sweet Cherries: Dark, firm cherries that add natural sweetness and beautiful color to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake with its aromatic profile.

Preparation Steps for Cherry Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Select a 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.

Generously coat the pan’s interior with butter.

Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter the paper surface as well.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl.

Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Create Creamy Wet Mixture

In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer.

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, continuing to mix on high speed.

Pour in vanilla extract and Greek yogurt, blending until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Use low mixer speed to prevent overmixing.

Stir until ingredients are just combined, maintaining a light and airy batter.

Step 5: Arrange Cherries in Batter

• Fresh sweet cherries
• Pitted and halved cherries

Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan.

Distribute sliced cherries evenly across the first layer.

Add remaining batter and top with additional cherry halves.

Step 6: Bake The Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F with rack positioned in the middle.

Bake the cake for 45-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 40 minutes.

Place on a wire rack.

Carefully release from springform pan or remove from round pan.

Pro Tips for Simple Cherry Cake

• Use a cherry pitter to remove seeds quickly and cleanly, ensuring uniform cherry halves for even cake distribution.
• Aerate flour by fluffing with a spoon or use a kitchen scale to prevent dense cake texture and ensure consistent results.
• Gently combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, stopping when ingredients are incorporated to maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Select dark, firm sweet cherries at peak ripeness; skip frozen, canned, or sour cherries for optimal cake flavor and texture.
• Replace some butter with Greek yogurt to create a tangy, moist cake that remains rich and delicious while reducing overall fat content.

Variations for Cherry Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Swap regular flour with King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free flour, ensuring celiac and gluten-sensitive bakers can enjoy this cherry cake without compromising taste or texture.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Cake: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use plant-based butter alternatives to create a delicious cake suitable for those with dairy restrictions.
• Vegan Cherry Treat: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use plant-based butter and yogurt to craft a completely plant-based version of this classic cherry cake.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Option: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and incorporate fresh cherries for natural sweetness while maintaining the cake's delightful flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Simple Cherry Cake

• Vanilla Dream Drizzle: Whip up a light vanilla glaze with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Gently pour over each slice for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the cake's fruity flavor.
• Creamy Sidekick: Serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth texture pairs perfectly with the warm, fruity cake.
• Afternoon Tea Partner: Slice the cake into elegant portions and arrange on a beautiful platter. Pair with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a smooth cappuccino for a delightful mid-afternoon treat that feels luxurious yet simple.

Storage Tips for Cherry Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• If serving within 1-2 days, keep the cake covered at room temperature in a cake carrier or under a cake dome to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For crisp edges, briefly toast in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes before serving.

FAQs

• Why use Greek yogurt in this recipe?

Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess to the cake while reducing the amount of butter needed. It helps create a lighter, more tender texture without compromising the cake’s richness.

• How do I prevent my cake from becoming dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and use properly measured flour. Aerate the flour by fluffing it with a spoon and gently combining the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe works perfectly with King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free flour. Simply substitute the regular flour with this gluten-free alternative and follow the recipe as written.

Simple Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Delightful homemade Cherry Cake brings sweet memories of summer gatherings with friends and family. Moist crumb, tangy cherries, and delicate vanilla undertones create a perfect dessert you’ll want to share and savor with loved ones.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweet cherries (fresh, pitted, sliced in half)
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or King Arthur gluten-free measure-for-measure flour)
• 2 ounces (56 grams) butter, softened

Baking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Flavor and Moisture Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

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Instructions

1. Select a 9-inch springform or round cake pan and prepare it by greasing the sides and bottom with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the paper as well.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the middle.
3. Sift together flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a medium mixing bowl.
4. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar with eggs until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes on high speed.
5. Incorporate vanilla and Greek yogurt into the butter mixture, beating until smooth and creamy.
6. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender cake texture.
7. Pour half the batter into the prepared pan, arrange sliced pitted cherries evenly across the surface.
8. Cover with remaining batter and top with additional cherry halves.
9. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake develops a golden color.
10. Midway through baking, add extra pitted cherries on top for enhanced presentation.
11. Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, approximately 40 minutes.
12. Release the cake from the springform pan after cooling.
13. For best results, use fresh, dark sweet cherries that are firm and ripe. Avoid frozen, canned, or sour cherries.
14. Use a cherry pitter to remove pits and slice cherries in half before incorporating into the cake.
15. For a gluten-free version, substitute with King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free flour while following the original recipe steps.
16. Ensure precise flour measurement by using a kitchen scale or aerating the flour to prevent dense cake texture.
17. Remember that minimal mixing and proper ingredient incorporation are key to achieving a light, tender cake.

Notes

• Choose firm, dark sweet cherries for the best flavor and texture in this cake.
• Use a cherry pitter to easily remove pits and slice cherries in half for even distribution.
• Aerate flour by gently fluffing with a spoon to prevent dense cake texture.
• Mix batter just until ingredients are combined to maintain a light, tender crumb.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour like King Arthur Measure for Measure for a celiac-friendly version.
• Replace some butter with Greek yogurt to create a tangier, more moist cake with reduced fat content.
• Add extra fresh cherries midway through baking for a prettier presentation and burst of fruity flavor.
• Avoid using frozen, canned, or sour cherries as they won’t provide the same texture and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg