Ingredients
Pantry Staples
In order to make a delicious and moist fresh cherry cake, you’ll need to have some essential pantry staples on hand. Here are the ingredients you’ll require:
Grains
- Powdered sugar (also known as icing sugar)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
Dairy and Eggs
- buttermilk
Pantry Staples
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional)
- Cinnamon (optional)
Cherry Filling and Topping
- Sweetened cherries, fresh or frozen (2 cups)
- Pure maple syrup (1 tablespoon)
Toppings and Decorations
- Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting the cake)
- Fresh cherries, for garnish
With these pantry staples on hand, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious and moist fresh cherry cake that’s perfect for springtime or any other occasion. Happy baking!
1 ¾ cups allpurpose flour
- All-purpose flour serves as the foundational component in baking, providing structure, texture, and support to a variety of sweet treats like cakes.
- The specific quantity of 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour is often called for in recipes that demand a delicate yet firm crumb, such as this Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe.
- All-purpose flour contains various elements including proteins (gliadin), carbohydrates (starch), and lipids, which contribute to its diverse properties.
- The gliadin component within all-purpose flour forms gluten during the mixing process with water, lending elasticity and chewiness to the final product.
- The starch in all-purpose flour acts as an absorptive agent, soaking up liquid ingredients and helping regulate the moisture levels within baked goods.
- Additionally, lipids in all-purpose flour enhance browning reactions and contribute to its overall flavor profile, though often in subtle ways.
- This blend of properties enables all-purpose flour to be a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory preparations, with 1 ¾ cups being an optimal amount for balancing the texture of our Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe.
1 teaspoon baking powder
The ingredient 1 teaspoon of baking powder is a crucial component in the Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe, as it plays a significant role in determining the texture and structure of the final product.
What is Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a type of leavening agent that is commonly used in baked goods to help them rise. It is a mixture of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and an acid, such as cream of tartar, that is designed to release gas more slowly over time.
Role of Baking Powder in the Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe
In this recipe, 1 teaspoon of baking powder serves several purposes:
- To help the cake rise and give it a light texture.
- To provide structure to the cake by releasing gas bubbles during baking.
- To react with acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk or yogurt, to produce additional carbon dioxide gas.
The inclusion of 1 teaspoon of baking powder is important, as it allows for even distribution of leavening throughout the batter and ensures that the cake has a consistent texture.
Why Use Baking Powder?
Baking powder is a convenient alternative to using yeast or other types of leavening agents. It provides a quick release of gas, making it ideal for recipes like the Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe that require rapid rising and baking.
Effect of Omitting or Reducing Baking Powder
Omitting or reducing the amount of baking powder in this recipe can have several consequences:
- The cake may not rise as well, resulting in a dense or flat texture.
- Flavors may be affected, with a decrease in acidity and an increase in alkalinity.
- Rapid changes in pH levels can impact the overall chemistry of the recipe, leading to unpredictable results.
It is essential to maintain the specified 1 teaspoon measurement to ensure optimal texture and flavor in the Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe.
1 teaspoon salt
The freshness and flavor of the cherries are perfectly balanced by the savory taste of a single ingredient – salt.
Salt plays a crucial role in enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients in the cake, while also acting as a preservative to help extend the shelf life of the finished product.
For this recipe, we need a small amount of salt to bring out the best in our cherries and other ingredients. The ideal amount is one teaspoon of salt for every 2-3 cups of cherries, depending on their ripeness and sweetness level.
Salt not only adds flavor but also helps to balance the natural sweetness of the sugar in the recipe. It’s essential to use a high-quality salt that complements the flavors of the other ingredients, such as kosher salt or sea salt.
The importance of using the right amount of salt cannot be overstated. Too little salt may not provide enough flavor enhancement, while too much can make the cake taste salty and unpalatable.
Incorporating the salt into the batter is straightforward – simply sprinkle it evenly over the cherries and other dry ingredients before mixing everything together.
By mastering the art of using salt in baking, especially when combined with fresh cherries, you’ll be able to create a truly exceptional cake that showcases the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
1 cup granulated sugar
The ingredient list for this delightful Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe begins with the sweetener that will bring balance to the tartness of the cherries – 1 cup granulated sugar.
Granulated sugar, also known as white sugar or table sugar, is a popular choice in baking due to its versatility and ease of use. Its fine crystals dissolve quickly in liquids and provide a clean sweetness without adding flavor or texture complexities to the baked goods.
In this recipe, granulated sugar serves several purposes: it helps to enhance the natural flavors of the cherries, contributes to the structure of the cake by helping to strengthen gluten bonds, and adds moisture due to its hygroscopic properties – the ability to attract water molecules from the air.
The use of granulated sugar also allows for the creation of a tender crumb and a delicate crust on the cake. When sugar is heated during baking, it undergoes the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that results in the formation of new flavor compounds and browning. This process contributes to the appealing appearance and aroma of the Fresh Cherry Cake.
In terms of substitution, granulated sugar can be replaced with other types of sugars, such as brown sugar or honey, but keep in mind that they have different properties and may affect the texture and flavor of the cake differently. For instance, using honey would add a distinct flavor to the cake, while using brown sugar would introduce a richer, nuttier taste.
Wet Ingredients
Fresh Cherry Goodness
The star of the show in this Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe is undoubtedly the wet ingredients, which play a crucial role in creating a moist and flavorful cake.
When it comes to wet ingredients, we’re talking about the components that add liquid or fat content to the batter. In the context of this recipe, our focus will be on the cherry goodness provided by the fresh cherries, as well as the traditional wet ingredients found in most cakes: eggs, milk, and oil.
The fresh cherries are the crowning glory of this cake. Plump, juicy, and bursting with sweet-tart flavor, they add a depth and richness to the batter that’s simply unparalleled by any other fruit. When you’re using fresh cherries in your baking, it’s essential to choose the best quality you can find – look for ripe cherries with no signs of bruising or mold.
As we move on to the eggs, remember that they serve a dual purpose: providing moisture and richness while also acting as a leavening agent. Beat them thoroughly before adding them to the batter, ensuring that you get a smooth and creamy consistency. Large eggs are typically the best choice for this recipe.
Milk is another key player in our wet ingredients lineup. Choose whole milk or a similar high-fat dairy product, as it will add moisture and tenderness to your finished cake. You can substitute some of the milk with buttermilk if you prefer a tangier flavor – just be sure to reduce the amount slightly to avoid an overly soggy crumb.
Finally, we have our oil, which adds an extra boost of moisture and tenderness to the batter. Choose a neutral-tasting oil like canola or grapeseed for this recipe, as it won’t compete with the flavors of your fresh cherries. A light oil is always best – you don’t want to overpower the delicate flavor of those beautiful cherries.
In summary, when working with wet ingredients in a Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe, remember that quality counts. Choose the freshest, best-quality components available, and be mindful of your ratio of wet to dry ingredients. By following these guidelines and emphasizing the cherry goodness in this recipe, you’ll create a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
The Wet Ingredients are a crucial component of any cake recipe, and in this case, they play a vital role in bringing together the flavors and textures of our Fresh Cherry Cake.
Among these Wet Ingredients, 1 cup of fresh or frozen cherries takes center stage. Pitted to perfection, these cherries add natural sweetness, juiciness, and a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
The use of fresh or frozen cherries allows for flexibility in terms of availability and seasonality. Fresh cherries are ideal for peak season, when their sweet-tart flavor is at its best. On the other hand, frozen cherries can be used throughout the year and will still provide an intense cherry flavor.
When pitting the cherries, it’s essential to remove the pit or stone from each fruit to avoid any inconvenience during baking. This simple step ensures that the cherries can be evenly distributed within the batter, contributing to the cake’s texture and appearance.
The 1-cup measurement of pitted cherries is a generous amount, allowing for an optimal balance between cherry flavor and cake density. As we proceed with combining the Wet Ingredients, these pitted cherries will form the foundation of our Fresh Cherry Cake’s characteristic flavor profile.
In summary, 1 cup fresh or frozen pitted cherries is a vital component in creating an exceptional fresh cherry cake recipe. Their sweetness, juiciness, and intense flavor will elevate the entire baking experience, making this cake a delightful treat for any occasion.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
When it comes to incorporating wet ingredients into a recipe for a Fresh Cherry Cake, one crucial component is 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened.
The purpose of softening the butter is to ensure that it reaches a semi-liquid state, allowing it to blend seamlessly with other wet ingredients such as sugar, eggs, and milk. This facilitates an even distribution of moisture and fat throughout the batter.
Softened unsalted butter has a few distinct characteristics that make it an ideal choice for this recipe:
It retains its ability to hold air and maintain structure, contributing to a tender crumb in the finished cake.
The absence of salt allows the sweetness of the cherries and sugar to take center stage without being counterbalanced by the savory flavor of salted butter.
When substituting unsalted butter with salted butter, it’s essential to reduce or omit additional salt from other recipe components to prevent an overly salty taste. However, this substitution might affect the cake’s texture due to the differences in composition between salted and unsalted butters.
Upon incorporating softened unsalted butter into your Fresh Cherry Cake mixture, be sure to continue with the original recipe instructions for creaming it together with sugar until light and fluffy. This process will ultimately result in a moist and decadent cake filled with juicy cherries and an airy texture that’s hard to resist.
In summary, using 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter is crucial for creating a delicious and well-balanced Fresh Cherry Cake recipe. By incorporating this essential component and following the subsequent instructions carefully, you’ll be rewarded with an exceptional baked dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or impressing your friends and family.
4 large eggs
- The Wet Ingredients are a crucial component of any cake recipe, and they play a vital role in determining the final texture and flavor of the cake.
- In our Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe, we use 4 large eggs as part of the wet ingredients. Eggs are an excellent source of moisture, protein, and richness in baked goods.
- The importance of eggs cannot be overstated. They add structure, moisture, and flavor to the cake, making it more tender and delicious.
- When using eggs in baking, it’s essential to note that large eggs generally have a slightly larger volume and a higher weight than small or medium eggs.
- This means that 4 large eggs will yield a different amount of liquid and egg whites compared to 4 smaller eggs. To ensure accuracy, always use the size of eggs specified in the recipe.
- For our Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe, using 4 large eggs is essential for achieving the right balance of moisture and flavor in the cake.
- The combination of eggs with other wet ingredients like buttermilk or yogurt helps to create a tender, moist crumb that’s perfect for sponging up the flavors of the cherries and spices.
- In addition to providing moisture, eggs also help to enrich the flavor of the cake. The yolks contain a high concentration of fat-soluble vitamins and lipids, which contribute to the overall richness and depth of the cake’s flavor profile.
Cake Assembly and Baking
The Finishing Touches
- The art of cake assembly and baking is a delicate dance between precision and creativity, requiring attention to detail and a passion for perfection.
- To begin with, it’s essential to have a well-organized workspace, free from clutter and distractions, allowing the baker to focus on the task at hand.
- For our Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe, we’ll start by preparing the cake pans. A 9×13-inch rectangular pan or two 8-inch round pans will suffice, ensuring an even baking time and a smooth finish.
- The next step is to carefully measure out the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, and leavening agents – and whisk them together in a large mixing bowl until they’re evenly incorporated.
- Now it’s time to incorporate the wet ingredients – eggs, butter or oil, and flavorings – into the dry mixture, alternating between the two until just combined.
- The key to achieving a light and fluffy texture is to not overmix the batter, which can result in a dense and heavy cake.
- Once the batter is ready, pour it evenly into the prepared pans and smooth out the tops with a spatula or offset spatula.
- To ensure even baking, rotate the cakes halfway through the cooking time, usually around 25-30 minutes for a 9×13-inch pan or 18-20 minutes for two 8-inch round pans.
- When the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- The finishing touches come into play when the cakes have cooled down. For our Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe, we’ll be creating a cherry compote by cooking fresh cherries with sugar and water until they break down and create a rich, jam-like consistency.
- To assemble the cake, place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate or cake stand, followed by a generous layer of cherry compote – about 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup should suffice for a standard-sized cake.
- Next, place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire surface with our signature buttercream frosting recipe, carefully spreading it evenly around the edges to create a smooth finish.
- To add some extra flair, sprinkle fresh cherries or edible flowers along the borders of the cake for an added pop of color and visual interest.
- And voilà! Our Fresh Cherry Cake Recipe is now complete, with its layers of fluffy sponge cake, rich cherry compote, and creamy buttercream frosting coming together in perfect harmony.
Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
To assemble and bake a fresh cherry cake, it’s crucial to understand the components involved and how they come together to create a delicious dessert.
The process begins with preparing the ingredients for the cake batter. This includes measuring out flour, sugar, eggs, butter or oil, milk, and vanilla extract, as well as cherries that have been pitted and sliced.
Preheating the oven is essential to ensure even baking of the cake. A temperature range between 325°F to 350°F (165°C to 175°C) is generally ideal for most cakes.
The first step in assembling the cake involves creaming together butter and sugar until it reaches a light, fluffy consistency. This process not only incorporates air but also helps to dissolve the sugar, making it easier to mix with other ingredients.
Next, eggs are added one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This technique prevents the mixture from becoming too dense and allows for better distribution of egg solids throughout the batter.
Once the eggs have been mixed in, it’s time to add the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and any additional flavorings (vanilla extract). The goal is to mix these components just until they are combined with the wet ingredients; overmixing can result in a dense cake.
The cherry filling serves as the heart of this dessert. A mixture of cherries that have been pitted, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch or tapioca flour for thickening, is cooked down on the stovetop until it reaches the desired consistency.
This filling can be spread evenly over the bottom of a prepared cake pan or placed within individual cupcake liners. Depending on personal preference, additional cherries may be sprinkled over the top of the filling before adding the cake batter.
When adding the batter to the prepared pans or cupcake liners, it’s essential not to fill them more than 3/4 of their capacity to allow for proper expansion during baking.
Bake times will vary based on the size and number of cakes. It is crucial not to open the oven door until at least 30 minutes have passed; doing so can disrupt the cake’s internal structure and result in an uneven texture or even a sink in the center.
When the timer goes off, remove the cake(s) from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack before dusting with confectioners’ sugar. This final touch adds not only visual appeal but also a delicate sweetness to balance out the tartness of the cherries.
The result is a delicious cherry cake recipe that showcases fresh cherries in every bite, surrounded by the comforting texture and subtle sweetness of a freshly baked cake.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
To make a delicious fresh cherry cake, the first step involves preparing the ingredients and equipment needed for baking. The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups (285g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened, 2 large eggs, at room temperature, 1 teaspoon pure almond extract, and 1 cup (120g) chopped fresh cherries.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it sets the stage for even cooking of the cake. Ensure that the oven reaches the correct temperature before proceeding with the recipe.
Next, prepare two 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans by greasing them with butter and dusting them with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan during baking and make it easier to remove once it’s cooked.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. This process typically takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed or 5 minutes by hand using a wooden spoon.
Add eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. The mixture will become lighter in color and increase in volume as you add the eggs.
Now it’s time to incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Start by adding half of the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) to the wet ingredients, then mix on low speed until just combined.
Next, add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter is formed. Do not overmix at this stage as it can result in a dense cake.
Finally, gently fold in the chopped cherries using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix or bruise the delicate cherries.
Pour half of the batter into each prepared pan and smooth out the tops with an offset spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Grease and flour two 8inch round cake pans
To assemble the Fresh Cherry Cake, we need to prepare our two 8-inch round cake pans for baking.
Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans:
- First, take a small amount of vegetable shortening or cooking spray and apply it evenly to the surface of each pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the sides and make removal easier.
- Next, sprinkle a thin layer of flour over the greased surface. You can use all-purpose flour or a specialized cake flour for this purpose. Tapping the pans gently will help spread the flour evenly.
This step is crucial to ensure that our cakes release from the pans cleanly and maintain their shape during baking.
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