Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. If using canned cherries, drain them thoroughly. Toss the cherries in 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Fold in the Cherries
- Add the Cherries: Gently fold the floured cherries into the cake batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Serve
- Add the Finishing Touch: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple finish. If desired, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for the Best Cherry Cake
- Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries will give the cake a juicy, slightly tart flavor, but canned or frozen cherries work well too. Just make sure to drain or thaw them before using.
- Add Almond Extract: For a subtle flavor twist, add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. Almond and cherries are a classic combination!
- Prevent Sinking Cherries: Tossing the cherries in flour before folding them into the batter helps them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake instead of sinking to the bottom.
Why This Cherry Cake is a Must-Try
This Cherry Cake is not only visually appealing with its bursts of red cherries but also incredibly flavorful with its tender crumb and juicy fruit pockets. It’s light enough to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee and satisfying enough to be a dessert centerpiece. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with the rich, buttery cake creates a delightful balance between sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe is sure to win over everyone at the table.
Serving Suggestion
Enjoy your Cherry Cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or pair it with whipped cream for a more decadent experience. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the flavors beautifully. This cake is also great for picnics, potlucks, or as a cozy weekend bake.
Delight in the simplicity and elegance of this Cherry Cake, and let the juicy cherries bring a pop of flavor to your next baking adventure!