There’s nothing quite like the feeling of slicing into a homemade cake just as the sweet aroma of fresh cherries fills your kitchen. On a sunny afternoon, while rummaging through my local farmers’ market, I stumbled upon a basket brimming with the juiciest cherries. I knew instantly they were destined for something delightful—my Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch.
This cake isn’t just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavor and nostalgia, perfect for family gatherings or simply indulgent afternoons at home. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake intertwined with a luscious cherry filling, this recipe combines the freshness of seasonal fruit with the warmth of home baking. It may seem impressive, but don’t be fooled—you can whip it up effortlessly and wow your guests in no time.
Whether you’re taking a break from fast food or exploring your culinary skills, this cherry cake promises to bring joy to your table and make every bite a memorable experience. Let’s dive into this delectable journey and create something unforgettable!
Why is this Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch a must-try?
Irresistible Aroma: The blend of fresh cherries and vanilla creates a mouthwatering scent that fills your home, making baking a joy.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings, this cake guarantees compliments and happy faces at your table.
Simple Ingredients: With minimal and accessible ingredients, you’ll find it easy to create this delightful masterpiece, perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
Layered Elegance: The combination of luscious cherry filling and creamy buttercream offers a stunning visual appeal that showcases your baking prowess.
Time-Saving Preparation: Most of the time involves baking and chilling, which means you can prepare other meals or relax while this beauty comes together.
For more delicious inspiration, check out our cake baking tips to elevate your skills!
Fresh Cherry Cake Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Essential for a fluffy texture that holds the layers together.
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise, ensuring a light and airy structure.
- ¾ teaspoon salt – Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter – Adds richness; make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- ½ cup canola oil – Keeps the cake moist; you can substitute with light vegetable oil.
- 1 ½ cups granulated white sugar – Sweetens the cake perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your cherry sweetness!
- 4 large eggs – Provides structure and stability to the cake.
- 3 vanilla beans – Intense flavor; you can substitute with 3 teaspoons of vanilla extract if needed.
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk – Imparts a tangy flavor and soft texture.
For the Cherry Filling
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted – The star of your Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch, providing vibrant flavor!
- ½ cup granulated white sugar – Sweetens the cherries; increase if they’re tart.
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the filling to prevent it from being runny.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice – Brightens the cherry flavor wonderfully.
- ¼ cup water – Helps dissolve the sugar and cornstarch to create a syrupy filling.
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 ¼ cups unsalted butter – Creates a creamy base for the frosting; ensure it’s softened to room temperature.
- 4 cups unpacked powdered sugar, sifted – Sweetens and thickens your frosting to the right consistency.
- 2 vanilla beans – Adds aromatic sweetness; alternatively, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream – Adjust to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
- 1 pinch salt – A touch to enhance the overall flavor of the frosting.
These warm and comforting ingredients come together to create a show-stopping cake that will become a family favorite!
How to Make Fresh Cherry Cake
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Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom and sides of two 8″ (20cm) baking pans with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures a well-combined mixture that will give your cake a great rise.
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Cream Butter and Oil: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. It should look light and fluffy, like a dream!
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully blended. Add the vanilla and stir until everything is well combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined; don’t overdo it, or the cake may be dense!
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool to room temperature after baking.
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Prepare Cherry Filling: In a large saucepan, mix together the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and cook for 5-8 minutes until soft.
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Blend and Thicken: Use an immersion blender to blend the cherries until smooth. Cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, reducing the mixture by about a third until thickened. Set aside to cool at room temperature.
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Make Buttercream Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter on medium speed until super creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined before beating on medium speed until completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla.
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Adjust Consistency: Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. A pinch of salt will enhance the flavor!
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Level the Cakes: Trim a very thin layer off the tops of both cakes to create a flat surface. Then, cut each cake in half horizontally, creating four layers total.
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Assemble the Cake: Place one layer on your serving plate and spread a quarter of the buttercream over the top. Layer with one-third of the cherry filling. Repeat this process two more times with the remaining layers and fillings.
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Frost the Exterior: Place the final cake layer on top and lightly frost the outside with the remaining buttercream.
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Chill: Place your beautiful cake in the fridge for 4 hours to set. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days of indulgence.
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Fresh Cherry Cake
Fridge: Store your unfrosted cake layers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If frosted, keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap each cooled and unfrosted cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It will last up to 3 months, preserving the delightful flavors of your Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the layers in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Reheating: If serving leftover cake, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy a warm treat without compromising the quality!
Expert Tips for Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch
Preparation is Key: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and a lighter texture.
Butter & Sugar Creaming: Beat the butter and sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This process is crucial for incorporating air, resulting in a tender cake.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, diminishing the fluffy texture you desire.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake layers to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the buttercream from melting and ensures a clean, beautiful finish.
Perfect Your Cherry Filling: Adjust the sugar based on your cherries’ sweetness. If they’re tart, consider adding a bit more sugar for the perfect balance in your Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch.
Chill for Set: Chilling the assembled cake helps set the layers and frosting, making it easier to slice and serve beautifully.
What to Serve with Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch?
Create a complete experience with delicious accompaniments that celebrate the cake’s delightful flavors.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The scoopable creaminess complements the cherry layers beautifully, creating a perfect blend of warmth and coolness.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds an airy lightness, balancing the rich frosting and enhancing the cherry flavors.
- Chamomile Tea: The gentle floral notes of chamomile create a soothing contrast, making each bite of cake even more enjoyable.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and light, this drink cleanses the palate and elevates the fruity freshness of the cherry cake.
- Chocolate Ganache: For the chocolate lovers, a drizzle of ganache adds a rich, decadent touch that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of cherries.
- Lemon Tart: Serving a tart alongside your cherry cake adds a zingy twist, with contrasting flavors elevating your dessert table to new heights.
- Berries Medley Salad: Fresh, mixed berries bring a burst of color and additional freshness, enhancing the overall fruit theme of your gathering.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee contributes a cozy vibe, enriching the indulgent experience with its robust flavors.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For an extra treat, these bars add nutty richness that complements the fruity, creamy elements of the cake.
- Chardonnay: A glass of chilled chardonnay offers a sophisticated pairing, its crispness enhancing the cake’s fruity brightness.
Make Ahead Options
These Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch components are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cherry filling up to 3 days in advance; simply cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the flavor. The cake layers can also be baked up to 24 hours ahead. After cooling completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. For serving, just layer the frosting and cherry filling when you’re ready to impress your guests. By prepping these elements ahead of time, you’ll enjoy a stress-free baking experience and still achieve that homemade magic!
Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to personalize your baking adventure and create something uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delightful, allergy-friendly option.
- Fruit Options: Swap fresh cherries for seasonal fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries for a different taste. Each fruit brings its own sweetness, elevating your cake in fresh ways.
- Milk Substitute: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk for a dairy-free version without losing that soft texture.
- Extra Flavor: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla for a nutty twist that enhances the cake’s richness.
- Frosting Variations: Swap butter for cream cheese in the frosting for a tangy glaze that complements the cherries beautifully. Light and creamy, it’s a delectable change-up!
- Cocoa Kick: Incorporate ½ cup of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients to create a chocolate cherry cake that adds a rich depth.
- Zesty Citrus: Stir in the zest of one lemon or orange into the batter for a citrusy brightness that contrasts delightfully with the cherry filling.
- Spicy Warmth: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the flour mix to warm up each slice with cozy, aromatic notes.
Embrace the joy of customization and make this Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch reflect your taste!
Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best fresh cherries for my cake?
Absolutely! When selecting cherries, look for ones that are firm, plump, and have a deep, rich color. Avoid any that have dark spots or are overly soft. If possible, pick those with green stems still attached, as this often indicates freshness.
What is the best way to store leftover Cherry Cake?
Leftover cake can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s kept well covered to prevent it from drying out. If you have unfrosted layers, they can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the Cherry Cake, and how should I do it?
Absolutely! To freeze your delicious Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch, wrap each cooled, unfrosted cake layer tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This will keep them fresh and protect against freezer burn. They will maintain their delightful flavor for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw the layers overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
My cake came out dense. What went wrong?
Very common! If your cake turned out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or not incorporating enough air during the creaming of the butter and sugar. Make sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined and always cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for an airy texture.
Can I make this Cherry Cake gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure that baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly from the original recipe, but with fresh cherries, it will remain wonderfully tasty!
Is this Fresh Cherry Cake safe for pets?
No, cherries can be toxic for pets, particularly the pits. It’s important to keep this cake out of reach of your furry friends to ensure their safety. If you’re ever curious about pet-friendly treats, there are plenty of delicious alternatives available!
Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe From Scratch You’ll Love to Bake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two 8" (20cm) baking pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, canola oil, and sugar until creamy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully blended. Add the vanilla.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with flour.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-33 minutes, then cool.
- In a large saucepan, mix together the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and water. Cook until soft.
- Blend the cherry mixture until smooth and cook until thickened. Set aside to cool.
- Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Add heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency, and mix in a pinch of salt.
- Trim the tops of the cakes and cut each cake in half horizontally, creating four layers.
- Assemble the cake by layering buttercream and cherry filling between each layer.
- Frost the exterior with remaining buttercream and chill for 4 hours.