What makes a perfect dessert for special occasions? This homemade cherry cake with white frosting is a family favorite, featuring fresh cherries and a simple baking method. Save this idea for your next easy weeknight dinner party or family gathering, Pin for later and enjoy a delicious treat.

two pictures of a cake with white frosting and cherries on the top one has a slice missing from it

Introduction

This stunning cake with white frosting and cherries is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the taste buds. The combination of moist cake, creamy frosting, and the sweetness of cherries makes for a perfect dessert that is both easy to make and impressive to serve. Using everyday ingredients and simple techniques, you can create this beautiful cake that is sure to be the centerpiece of any gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try for its ease, flavor, and creativity.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The cake, frosting, and cherries come together in perfect harmony, and the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cake is relatively simple to prepare, requiring basic baking and frosting techniques.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The end result is a professional-looking cake that will impress your friends and family, all with minimal effort and time.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this cake include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract for the cake, and heavy cream, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar for the frosting. Fresh or maraschino cherries are used for the topping. Practical substitutions can be made, such as using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile, or substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for the frosting, though this may slightly affect the consistency and richness.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until creamy, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat in the vanilla extract.
2. Step 2: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Step 3: For the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Add the heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate with cherries on top. For a slice missing effect, carefully remove a slice after the cake is frosted and decorated.

Handy Tips

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and aeration in the cake. Don’t overmix the batter or the frosting, as this can lead to a dense cake or too-stiff frosting. If using maraschino cherries, pat them dry with a paper towel before placing them on the cake to prevent excess moisture from affecting the frosting.

Heat Control

For baking the cake, the ideal temperature is 350°F (175°C), and the timing is crucial. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake dry. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of underbaking slightly, as the cake will continue to cook a bit after it’s removed from the oven.

Crunch Factor

This cake is designed to be moist and tender, with a smooth frosting and the slight crunch of cherries on top. To achieve the right texture, don’t overbake the cake, and make sure the frosting is beaten to the right consistency—not too thin, not too thick. The cherries add a pop of flavor and texture that complements the softness of the cake and frosting.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a more stable cake, especially if you’re planning to transport it, insert a dowel or a long skewer into the center of the cake after it’s frosted. This will help keep the layers aligned and prevent them from shifting.
• Use high-quality ingredients, especially for the frosting and the cherries, as these will greatly impact the final flavor and appearance of the cake.
• For easier frosting, make sure your cake is completely cool, and your frosting is at room temperature. This will make spreading and smoothing the frosting much easier and will result in a more even, professional-looking finish.

Storage Tips

• The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. For longer storage, the cake can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze the layers separately before frosting and assembling the cake.
• When reheating, let the cake come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave or oven. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the frosting to melt or the cake to dry out.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This cake makes a wonderful gift, especially for birthdays or special occasions. Consider placing the cake in a decorative cake box or on a beautiful serving plate, wrapped with clear plastic wrap or aluminum foil and decorated with a ribbon or gift tag. If you’re gifting just a slice, individual slices can be wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in small containers and decorated with a cherry on top and a gift tag.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cake batter for a unique flavor twist.
• Creative toppings: Instead of cherries, use sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a different look and flavor. You can also sprinkle the top with chopped nuts or shaved chocolate for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute almond milk for regular milk or use vegan butter and egg substitutes for a vegan version of the cake. For the frosting, you can use different extracts like almond or coconut for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your cake turns out too dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter. If it’s too dry, it could be due to overbaking. Adjust your mixing and baking times accordingly for future attempts.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re missing an ingredient, consider substitutions. For example, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your cake while it’s baking. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover the cake with foil to prevent overbrowning. Check for doneness frequently towards the end of the baking time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, the cake can be frozen, either as whole layers before frosting or as a completely assembled cake. It’s best to freeze it without the cherries on top and add them after thawing and frosting.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours, keeping in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger cake. Just ensure you have enough pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake will take longer to bake through.

Conclusion

Making this beautiful cake with white frosting and cherries is a rewarding baking experience that yields impressive results with minimal effort. With its moist texture, delicious flavor, and stunning appearance, it’s perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat any time of the year. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, trying out different flavor variations and decorations to make it your own. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your friends, this cake is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.