Cherry cake

Cherry cake is a timeless classic that combines the sweetness of cherries with the richness of a perfectly baked cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this ultimate guide will walk you through the best recipes and tips for creating a cherry cake that will wow your taste buds. From traditional cherry loaf cakes to modern twists like cherry almond cake, we’ve got you covered.

This classic cherry cake is versatile, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just a weekend baking project. Here’s a classic recipe that you can easily customize.

Ingredients:

• 200g unsalted butter, softened
• 200g caster sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 200g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 200g glace cherries, halved and rinsed
• 50g ground almonds (optional)
• 2 tbsp milk

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Cherry Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper. Rinse the glace cherries under cold water, then dry them thoroughly with kitchen paper. Toss the cherries in a little flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric hand mixer.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for extra flavor.

Step 4: Fold in the Flour and Almonds

Gently fold in the self-raising flour and ground almonds (if using) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense. If the batter seems too thick, add the milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Add the Cherries

Carefully fold the floured cherries into the batter. Make sure the cherries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the cherry cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious cherry cake!

Tips and Tricks for a Moist and Flavorful Cherry Cake

• Use Fresh Cherries When Possible: Fresh cherries add a burst of natural flavor that can elevate your cake. If using fresh cherries, pit and halve them before adding to the batter.
• Rinse and Dry Glace Cherries: Always rinse and dry glace cherries to remove excess syrup, which can cause them to sink in the cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Gently fold in the ingredients to keep the cake light and airy.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Almonds, chocolate chips, or even a dash of almond extract can add a unique twist to your cherry cake.

Cherry cake is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of joy that can brighten any day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice, this guide will help you create the perfect cherry cake every time.