Cherry Butter Cake is a moist, tender, and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Bursting with sweet cherries and a rich buttery base, this cake is simple to make yet elegant enough to impress family and friends. Whether served for tea, dessert, or a special celebration, it offers a delightful balance of fruity sweetness and soft, fluffy texture.
The combination of softened butter and sugar creates a light, airy batter, while eggs and milk contribute to the cake’s richness. Folding in cherries adds juicy bursts of flavor throughout the cake, making every bite satisfying. This recipe can also be adapted with other fruits or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Ingredients
- 200 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200 g (1 cup) sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200 g (1 ½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 150–200 g candied cherries, or cherry pie filling, or halved maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aerates the batter, ensuring a tender cake.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a subtle, aromatic flavor.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together to remove lumps, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Add milk to loosen the batter slightly if needed, creating a smooth consistency.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared tin. Add a layer of cherries, then top with the remaining batter. Place a few more cherries on top—they will sink slightly as the cake bakes, creating a beautiful fruit pattern.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the tin. This helps it hold its shape and makes slicing easier.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Butter Cake
- For extra flavor, soak the cherries in a little cherry liqueur or juice before adding to the batter.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar.
- Use a light hand when folding in the flour to keep the batter airy.
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a simple but elegant presentation.
Variations
- Berry Swap: Replace cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries for seasonal variations.
- Chocolate Cherry Cake: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a richer dessert.
- Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped almonds or walnuts between the layers for a delightful crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry Butter Cake is delicious on its own or served with:
- Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh cherries or other seasonal fruits
- A light drizzle of chocolate or cherry sauce for a more decadent presentation
This cake is perfect for afternoon tea, casual family gatherings, or holiday celebrations.
Storage
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.
- The cake can also be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Cherry Butter Cake is a classic dessert that is easy to make, visually appealing, and full of flavor. Its soft, buttery texture combined with juicy cherries makes it a favorite for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake can be a staple in your homemade dessert repertoire, ready to delight friends and family with every slice.