If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with the vibrant flavors of summer and comes together with charming simplicity, this Summer Cherry Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery cake delicately dotted with sweet-tart cherries that offer the perfect balance of juicy freshness and tender crumb. This cake not only celebrates ripe cherries but also brings a nostalgic, homey touch to your table—ideal for afternoon tea or a casual weekend treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned enthusiast, this Summer Cherry Cake Recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and easy preparation that makes it a true crowd-pleaser all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to baking a cake that’s as delightful as it is straightforward. Each item plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, rich taste, and gorgeous color that this cherry cake is known for.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure for a tender crumb without being too dense.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps develop that beautiful golden crust.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds moistness and rich flavor, making the cake incredibly tender.
- Large eggs: Bind all ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffy rise.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s flavor with a warm, aromatic nuance.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises perfectly, lightening the texture.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the natural flavors.
- Fresh cherries (pitted and halved): Infuse each bite with juicy bursts of fruity goodness and vibrant color.
How to Make Summer Cherry Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, gently pit and halve your cherries if you haven’t done so already, ensuring they are fresh and firm for the best flavor. Softened butter makes blending easier and helps create that dreamily moist cake texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step traps air which is key to achieving a soft cake crumb, so don’t rush it. You’ll notice the mix turning pale and velvety, signaling it’s ready for the next step.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow up with the vanilla extract for that subtle depth of flavor that ties everything together. The batter should be smooth and glossy at this point.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly, so your cake rises uniformly and has a balanced flavor.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter using a spatula or spoon. Mix gently to avoid knocking out the precious air you whipped in earlier. The batter should be thick and luscious, ready to embrace the sweet cherries perfectly.
Step 6: Fold in Cherries and Transfer to Baking Pan
Delicately fold the pitted and halved fresh cherries into the batter. Ensuring they’re evenly dispersed will promise bursts of cherry in every bite. Pour the batter into a buttered or parchment-lined cake pan, smoothing the top for even baking.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will develop a delightful golden hue, and the aroma of vanilla and fresh cherries will fill your kitchen, signaling it’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Summer Cherry Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a garnish can elevate this simple Summer Cherry Cake Recipe to something truly special. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy, elegant touch, while a few fresh cherries on top bring eye-catching color and that inviting summer vibe. If you want to be extra decadent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of homemade cherry syrup pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cherry cake is versatile enough to be served alongside several delightful sides. Fresh homemade ice cream, especially vanilla or almond flavored, complements the fruity notes beautifully. For a lighter option, try a simple mixed berry salad or even a tangy Greek yogurt spread to balance sweetness and add freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by turning your Summer Cherry Cake Recipe into mini servings with cupcake tins or by cutting it into petite squares for a charming dessert platter. Layering slices with mascarpone cheese and fresh cherries creates a stunning trifle that’s sure to wow your guests. Serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream will give you that comforting feel of a rustic homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Summer Cherry Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days; it will stay moist and flavorful. If storing in the fridge, be aware that refrigeration can dry out cakes quickly, so ensure it’s well wrapped to lock in moisture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully for longer-term storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it can last up to 3 months without losing its wonderful texture or taste.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is quicker but be cautious as it can make texture slightly dense. Warming the cake brings back that soft, freshly-baked feel and revives the lovely aroma.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen cherries well to avoid excess moisture, which can alter the cake’s texture. Fresh cherries are ideal for flavor bursts, but frozen cherries still work wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure, you can keep the texture close to the original. Just be mindful baking times might vary slightly.
How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?
Coat the cherries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake so every bite has that perfect cherry surprise.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling works well, but use a larger pan or divide batter between two pans to ensure even baking. Adjust baking time accordingly by checking doneness with a toothpick.
What’s the best way to pit cherries?
A cherry pitter makes the job quick and easy, but if you don’t have one, using the end of a wooden spoon or a paperclip can work. Just be careful to keep the cherries as intact as possible to preserve their juicy goodness.
Final Thoughts
This Summer Cherry Cake Recipe is like a warm hug from the season itself—simple, sweet, and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat when cherries are at their peak. I can’t encourage you enough to give this delightful cake a try, bake it with love, and watch it become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Summer Cherry Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and simple summer cherry cake perfect for warm-weather gatherings. This easy-to-make cake combines fresh cherries with a tender, buttery crumb for a sweet treat that celebrates the flavors of the season.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh cherries (pitted and halved)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next, followed by the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Cherries: Carefully fold the pitted and halved fresh cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Prepare Baking Pan: Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor; frozen can be used but may require draining excess moisture.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for proper creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- This cake can be served plain or dusted with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
