Cherry chip cake, with its delightful combination of sweet cherries and a soft, fluffy texture, stands as a testament to the joys of baking. Whether it's a birthday celebration, an afternoon tea, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, cherry chip cake recipes offer something special. In this post, we will delve into five cherry chip cake recipes you'll absolutely adore, each with its unique twist to make your taste buds dance.
Classic Cherry Chip Cake
If you're looking for the essence of cherry chip cake, this classic recipe is your go-to:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Combine:
- 1 package of white cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) package of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup of finely chopped maraschino cherries
- Blend ingredients until smooth; fold in 1/2 cup of cherry juice for color and flavor.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
👩🍳 Note: Overmixing the batter can make your cake dense. Mix until just combined.
Almond Cherry Chip Cake
Elevate the traditional with an almond cherry chip cake, where the subtle nuttiness of almond complements the cherry's sweetness:
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a richer flavor.
- Add 1/2 cup of slivered almonds to the batter for texture.
- Top with a simple almond icing (icing sugar mixed with almond extract).
Cherry Chip Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
The addition of cream cheese frosting brings a luxurious twist:
- Make your classic cherry chip cake batter.
- For frosting, beat together:
- 8 oz of softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of softened butter
- 4 cups of powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- Frost the cake once cooled.
Vegan Cherry Chip Cake
Vegan? No problem. Here’s a plant-based version:
- Substitute the eggs with:
- 3 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 9 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for 15 minutes.
- Instead of butter, use vegan butter for both cake and frosting.
- Replace dairy milk with almond, soy, or oat milk.
- Ensure your cake mix and pudding mix are vegan.
Cherry Chip Cake Pops
Transform your cherry chip cake into delightful cake pops:
- Bake and crumble the classic cherry chip cake recipe.
- Mix in:
- Frosting until dough-like.
- Form into balls, insert sticks, and chill.
- Dip in melted white chocolate.
- Top with sprinkles or more cherries.
As we've explored these five cherry chip cake recipes, we've seen that there's a version to suit every taste and occasion. From the classic, simple beauty of the traditional cherry chip cake to the sophisticated flavors of almond and cream cheese frosting, each recipe has its own charm. Whether you prefer to enjoy your cake in slices or bite-sized pops, these recipes allow you to indulge in the delightful combination of cherries and cake. They remind us that baking is not just about following steps but also about creating memories, sharing joy, and adding a touch of sweetness to life.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
+
Yes, but fresh cherries might not provide the same vibrant color and consistent flavor that maraschino cherries offer. Ensure you pit and chop the cherries finely, and adjust the sugar content in the recipe since fresh cherries are less sweet.
What can I use if I don’t have cherry juice?
+
You can substitute cherry juice with cranberry juice or any other red fruit juice for color, but the flavor profile will slightly differ. If color is your concern, you can use food coloring.
How do I store a cherry chip cake?
+
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If frosted with cream cheese or other perishable frostings, refrigerate it, but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I freeze cherry chip cake?
+
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?
+
For an easy chop, use kitchen scissors to snip maraschino cherries directly into the batter. This reduces mess and helps distribute them evenly.
