Cherry Cakes
(Moist, Fruity, and Perfectly Sweet)
There’s something magical about cherry cakes—a tender, moist cake packed with juicy cherries, delicate flavor, and a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, cherry cakes are a timeless favorite. Fresh, canned, or frozen cherries all work beautifully, making this recipe versatile year-round.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Moist and tender crumb that stays soft for days
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Sweet-tart cherry flavor balanced with a light cake base
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Easy to make with basic pantry ingredients
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Versatile—great for bundt pans, loaf pans, or individual cupcakes
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Perfect for any occasion—from casual tea time to special gatherings
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°F (175°C)
Yield: 8–10 servings
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
Cake
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
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1 ½ cups fresh, canned (drained), or frozen cherries
Optional Topping
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Powdered sugar for dusting
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Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the cherries. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw to avoid excess moisture.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C):
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Round or square cake pan: 45–50 minutes
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Loaf pan: 50–55 minutes
Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Optional Topping
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Powdered sugar dusting: Sprinkle over the cooled cake for a simple finish.
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Glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Cakes
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Use fresh cherries for bright flavor, or frozen cherries for convenience.
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Drain canned cherries well to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
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Gently fold cherries to prevent breaking and color bleeding into the batter.
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Room-temperature ingredients help the batter blend smoothly.
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Do not overbake—cakes dry out if left too long in the oven.
Variations
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Chocolate Cherry Cake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
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Almond Cherry Cake: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the batter.
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Cherry Streusel Cake: Top with a crumbly streusel made of butter, sugar, and flour.
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Mini Cherry Cakes: Bake in a muffin tin for individual portions.
Storage
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
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Refrigerator: Keep in a covered container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream for dessert.
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Pair with tea or coffee for a delightful snack or breakfast.
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Slice and serve for picnics or brunch gatherings.
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Add a light glaze or dust of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
Cherry cakes are a classic, versatile dessert that’s both simple and elegant. The combination of moist, tender cake with sweet-tart cherries makes them irresistible. With a few pantry staples and some fresh or frozen cherries, you can create a cake that’s perfect for family meals, celebrations, or casual coffee breaks.