Cherry Cake

A slice of cherry cake is a perfect way to enjoy the delightful sweetness of summer fruit in a moist, tender cake. This Cherry Cake recipe brings together the rich creaminess of ricotta and the tart juiciness of fresh cherries, creating a dessert that is both comforting and refreshing. The cake’s light and airy texture, coupled with the bursts of juicy cherries in every bite, makes it the ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special event, or just craving something sweet, this cherry cake is bound to become a favorite.

Ricotta adds a delicate richness to the cake while keeping it light, and the cherries provide a beautiful contrast with their vibrant color and natural sweetness. The simple yet flavorful combination makes this cake a perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or a light dessert after dinner. With minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cherry cake is easy to make and sure to impress guests or family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Fresh Cherries

The sweet, tart cherries add vibrant color and flavor to the cake, making each bite juicy and refreshing.

2. Light and Moist Texture

Thanks to the addition of ricotta and melted butter, this cake has a wonderfully moist texture that melts in your mouth.

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3. Simple to Make

With just a few ingredients, this cherry cake comes together quickly and easily—perfect for anyone looking for a homemade dessert with minimal effort.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a weekend treat, a birthday, or a summer gathering, this cake suits any occasion with its elegant yet simple appeal.

5. Customizable

Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a dash of almond extract for additional flavor twists.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Eggs
• Ricotta cheese
• Vanilla extract
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Cherries (pitted and halved)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Variations

• Fruit Substitutes: In place of cherries, you could use other fresh fruits such as blueberries, peaches, or even strawberries, creating a different flavor each time.
• Nuts: Add chopped almonds, walnuts, or pistachios to the batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft, moist cake.
• Flavored Cake: Add a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract to the batter to complement the cherries and enhance the cake’s flavor profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs and ricotta together until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and melted butter, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in a denser cake.

Step 5: Add Cherries

Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the halved cherries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Scatter the remaining cherries on top of the batter for a beautiful finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Dust with Powdered Sugar

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar, if desired, for a decorative touch.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense. Mix until just combined for the lightest texture.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries work best for this recipe, but if using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
• Evenly Distribute Cherries: To ensure cherries are evenly spread throughout the cake, fold them in gently, and reserve a few for the top to add a pretty finishing touch.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the ricotta and eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this cherry cake as a simple dessert on its own or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a light, chilled dessert wine for a more festive treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a larger portion, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy a warm slice, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm the entire cake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the cake.

2. Can I use a different cheese instead of ricotta?

Ricotta is a key ingredient in this recipe, but you can substitute with mascarpone for a creamier texture, or cream cheese for a tangier flavor.

3. How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Make sure to fold the cherries gently into the batter and reserve some for the top to create an even distribution.

4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version of this cherry cake.

5. How can I make this cake more flavorful?

Adding a teaspoon of almond or lemon extract can enhance the flavor of the cherries and add a nice depth to the cake.

6. Can I add nuts to the batter?

Yes, chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds can be folded into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

7. Can I make the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

8. What is the best way to serve this cake?

It’s best served at room temperature with a light dusting of powdered sugar or alongside vanilla ice cream.

9. Can I freeze this cherry cake?

Yes, you can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

10. How long does this cherry cake last?

The cake lasts up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week when stored in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Cherry Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that brings together the freshness of cherries, the richness of ricotta, and the perfect balance of sweetness. With its moist texture, burst of juicy fruit, and slight tang from the ricotta, it’s a cake that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family gathering or a special occasion, this cherry cake will undoubtedly impress with its elegance and irresistible flavor. Don’t forget to dust it with powdered sugar before serving for a lovely, finishing touch!

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