If you have a soft spot for classic desserts with a vibrant twist, then the Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. This cake beautifully balances a tender, buttery crumb with luscious bursts of cherry pie filling that create eye-catching swirls throughout. Each bite delivers moist, sweet cake dotted with rich cherry pockets, making it both comforting and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a simple weekend treat, this cake is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, promising happiness in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these essentials is all it takes to craft this charming cake. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the rich texture, adding sweetness, and highlighting that irresistible cherry flavor.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender structure for the cake’s crumb.
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the batter the perfect rise so the cake stays light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor nuances.
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a golden crust.
- 4 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the cake’s flavor with warm, comforting notes.
- 1 cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter and softens the crumb for a luscious bite.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: The star player that creates those gorgeous, fruity swirls and bursts of juicy sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Accentuates cherry notes with a subtle hint of nuttiness.
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): Adds an elegant finishing touch and a touch of extra sweetness.
How to Make Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out effortlessly without sticking—a crucial step for a flawless finish.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination sets the perfect base for your cake, ensuring even distribution of rising agents and seasoning for balanced flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This process traps air that helps build a tender, airy cake that’s just begging for that cherry filling.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Extracts
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts. This step brings richness and layers of flavor depth, infusing the batter with subtle warmth and cherry-enhancing notes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Alternately
Starting and ending with the flour mixture, alternate adding the dry ingredients and whole milk to the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so keep it light to maintain that tender crumb.
Step 6: Assemble the Cake Layers
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over this first layer, then pour the remaining batter on top. Add more cherry filling on the surface and use a knife to gently swirl the fruit filling through the batter, creating those signature vibrant swirls.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the intoxicating aroma of buttery cake and sweet cherries, building anticipation for the first bite.
Step 8: Cool and Optional Finishing Touch
Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before slicing. If you like, dust the top with powdered sugar to add a delicate sweetness and that picture-perfect look that makes it irresistible.
How to Serve Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a charming presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar is a classic choice. If you want to go a little further, a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh cherries on top complements the fruity swirls beautifully and elevates every slice.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm custard. The cold creaminess contrasts the cake’s moist, fruity texture and makes an elegant dessert worthy of any dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices on elegant plates with a sprig of fresh mint to brighten the color and aroma. For gatherings, cut the cake into bite-sized squares and offer toothpicks for easy, party-friendly bites. This cake also shines when presented alongside a glass of chilled sparkling wine to toast a special moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it moist and preserves the delightful balance of cake and cherry swirls.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When properly stored, the cake will thaw with its wonderful texture and flavor intact.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, microwave individual slices for about 15 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Reheating enhances the buttery aroma and softens the cherry filling to a luscious delight.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh or frozen cherries can be used, but you might want to make a simple cherry compote first to mimic the consistency of pie filling, ensuring those beautiful swirls and juicy bursts throughout the cake.
Is almond extract necessary in the recipe?
Not at all. While almond extract beautifully enhances the cherry flavor, you can easily leave it out if you prefer a purer vanilla and cherry profile or if you have any nut allergies.
Can this cake be made in a Bundt pan?
Yes, the recipe works wonderfully in a Bundt pan. Just remember to increase the baking time to about 50 to 55 minutes and monitor with a toothpick to avoid over or underbaking.
How do I prevent the cherry filling from sinking to the bottom?
By pouring half the batter first, then dolloping cherry pie filling before adding the rest, you create distinct layers that help suspend the cherries throughout. Gently swirling the top layer also spreads the filling evenly without collapsing it to the bottom.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or gelatin. It’s a delightful dessert option for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe feels like a warm hug in dessert form: approachable, comforting, and visually stunning. Once you try it, you’ll find it’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a slice of pure joy. So grab your ingredients, embrace the swirling magic of cherries, and bake a cake that will keep everyone coming back for more!
Print
Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring swirls of sweet cherry pie filling throughout a tender vanilla batter. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar, it offers a delightful balance of rich buttery cake and fruity cherry goodness, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Cherry Filling
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (plus more for topping if desired)
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy release of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined, which will provide the leavening and structure for the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, to enhance the cake’s flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake tough.
- Layer Batter and Cherry Filling: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and spread evenly. Add additional cherry pie filling on the top layer.
- Swirl Filling: Use a knife to gently swirl the cherry pie filling into the batter, creating a marbled effect without fully mixing the filling in.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing. Dust with powdered sugar if desired to add a touch of sweetness and decorative finish.
Notes
- For a stronger cherry flavor, double the amount of cherry pie filling or substitute with cherry compote.
- Almond extract enhances the cherry notes but can be omitted if preferred.
- This cake also works well baked in a Bundt pan; increase baking time to 50–55 minutes and test doneness with a toothpick.
