Cherries, with their vibrant color and juicy sweetness, have long been adored in both sweet and savory dishes. Today, we are going to explore an Easy Cherry Cake Recipe that is perfect for baking enthusiasts looking for something both simple to make and delightful to eat. This recipe is tailored for those who appreciate the art of baking, whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice looking to impress friends and family with a homemade dessert.
Ingredients
Before diving into the magic of mixing and baking, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups of sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of Greek yogurt
- 2 cups of fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Preparation Steps
1. Pre-heat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and flour a 9-inch cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake comes out easily.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air, which helps in achieving a tender texture.
- Ensure you scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure uniform mixing.
3. Adding 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, mixing it well into the batter.
4. Sifting Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to aerate the flour and ensure no lumps are present.
5. Alternating Ingredients
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the Greek yogurt to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients to prevent overmixing. Here’s how:
- Add a third of the dry mixture.
- Follow with half of the Greek yogurt.
- Add another third of the dry mixture.
- Continue with the remaining yogurt.
- Finish with the last of the dry ingredients.
6. Incorporating the Cherries
- Gently fold in the cherries. Be cautious not to overmix, as you want to maintain the shape of the cherries and avoid turning the batter pink.
7. Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
- Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Serving
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with powdered sugar or serving plain.
👨🍳 Note: If the cherries settle to the bottom, that's not necessarily a problem; it can create an attractive layer of fruit at the base of the cake.
Once the preparation is complete, and the delightful aroma of your baking has filled your kitchen, you are ready to enjoy your Cherry Cake. This recipe ensures a moist and flavorful cake with the distinct taste of cherries shining through, making it an excellent choice for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a birthday celebration.
Can I use frozen cherries?
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Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure they are thawed and well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
How can I prevent cherries from sinking to the bottom?
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To keep cherries from sinking, you can toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This can help suspend them in the cake mixture.
Is there a way to substitute Greek yogurt?
+Yes, you can replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or buttermilk. The texture will be slightly different, but the cake will still be delicious.
