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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake later. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
2. Coat the Cherries:
Toss the halved cherries with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. This helps prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, allowing them to be evenly distributed throughout the cake. Set the cherries aside.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the cake and prevents any clumps of flour from forming.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for a light, airy cake texture.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth and fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the mixture.
6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start by adding about one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the milk, and continue alternating until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until smooth.
7. Fold in the Cherries:
Gently fold the flour-coated cherries into the batter using a spatula. This ensures the cherries are evenly distributed without overworking the batter. Be gentle to keep the air in the batter, which will help the cake rise.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should be golden brown on top.
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the cake firm up and makes it easier to cut and serve.
10. Make the Cherry Syrup (Optional):
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the cherry syrup to drizzle over the cake for an extra burst of cherry flavor. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of cherries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of water. Simmer on low heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have broken down and the syrup thickens slightly. Strain the syrup through a fine sieve to remove any solids. Drizzle this cherry syrup over the cooled cake for an extra sweet touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it up and serve! You can enjoy it as-is, or for an extra special touch, top the cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The homemade cherry cake is perfect for a summer gathering, birthday party, or even a cozy family dessert.
Tips for Success:
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: This recipe works wonderfully with both fresh and frozen cherries. If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them before using, as this could make the batter too runny. Just toss them straight from the freezer into the batter.
- Buttermilk: For a slightly tangy, richer flavor, try using buttermilk instead of regular milk. It will also make the cake incredibly moist.
- Cake Flour: If you prefer a softer, more delicate cake, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour. The texture will be slightly finer and lighter.
- Cherry Variation: While the recipe calls for cherries, you can substitute them with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped strawberries for a different flavor.
- Topping Ideas: Add a dusting of powdered sugar or top with a handful of fresh cherries to make the cake look even more festive and appealing.
Conclusion:
This homemade cherry cake is a delightful dessert that’s simple to make yet bursting with flavor. The juicy, sweet cherries paired with a moist, tender cake make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, or taking it to a summer picnic, this cherry cake will surely be a hit with everyone. Plus, the optional cherry syrup adds an extra layer of flavor that takes the cake to the next level. Enjoy every bite of this delicious, fruity delight!
