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How To Make Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: Tasty and Fun

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Remember those birthday parties, school bake sales, and family gatherings where a colorful, cheerful cake stole the show? For me, that cake was always a cherry chip cake recipe. The moist, vanilla-infused crumb dotted with sweet cherries and chocolate chips was pure magic. And you know what? Recreating that magic at home is easier than you think!

This recipe for cherry chip cake is more than just a way to bake; it’s a simple guide that helps you remember happy times and create new memories, too. It’s an easy guide that will help you make a cake that everyone will love and want more of. I’ll show you how to pick the best cherries and make the perfect frosting. Follow my tips to bake a cherry chip cake recipe that is full of flavor and good feelings.

Ingredients: Your Cherry Chip Cake Recipe Shopping List

Let’s get started with the essentials! I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients makes a HUGE difference in the final result. Here’s what you’ll need to make your cherry chip cake truly special:

IngredientQuantitySpecial Notes
All-Purpose Flour3 cupsMake sure it’s fresh! Sift it for a lighter crumb.
Baking Powder3 teaspoonsDouble-acting is best for a good rise.
Salt1/2 teaspoonEnhances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter1 cup (2 sticks)Softened to room temperature. This is KEY for creaming properly.
Granulated Sugar2 cupsFor sweetness and moisture.
Eggs3 largeRoom temperature, please! They emulsify better.
Vanilla Extract2 teaspoonsPure vanilla extract is worth the splurge!
Milk1 cupWhole milk adds richness, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy alternative.
Maraschino Cherries1 cupDrained and chopped. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent bleeding into the batter.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips1 cupMini chips work best for even distribution.

Kitchen Equipment Needed for a Perfect Cherry Chip cake Recipe

Having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Mixer Type for Mixing Butter and Sugar: Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to mix the butter and sugar together.
  • Two round cake pans that are 9 inches in size: Make sure to grease them and sprinkle flour inside (or you can use parchment paper).
  • Mixing Bowls: For dry and wet ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial!
  • Rubber Spatula: For folding in the cherries and chocolate chips.
  • Wire Rack: For cooling the cakes.
  • Offset Spatula: For frosting the cake (optional, but helpful).

Expert Tip for the Best Cherry Flavor

“To make a really great cherry chip cake, it’s important to use good maraschino cherries. Make sure to drain them well and dry them off,” says well-known pastry chef, Emily Carter. “This stops the color from mixing into the cake batter and helps the cake stay bright and tasty.”

Baking Your Dream Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step

Time needed: 20 minutes

Alright, let’s get baking!

  1. Preheat:

    Turn-on your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans as mentioned above.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients :

    In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

  3. Combine Wet Ingredients :

    In another bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.Frosting a cherry chip cake recipe

  4. Blend Wet and Dry :

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.

  5. Fold in Cherries and Chips :

    Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips to avoid overmixing.Frosting a cherry chip cake recipe

  6. Bake :

    Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  7. Cool and Frost :

    Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.A slice of cherry chip cake recipe with whipped cream and fresh cherries

Pro Tips for a Moist and Delicious Cherry Chip Cake

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of a moist cake! Check for doneness with a wooden skewer.

  • Avoid Overmixing : Mixing too much can make the flour tough, which can lead to a hard cake. It’s best to mix just enough until everything is combined.
  • Pat Dry Cherries : Excess moisture from cherries can affect the batter’s consistency.
  • Toast Chocolate Chips : For extra flavor, toast the chips lightly before folding them in.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Cherry Chip Cake Experience

  • Classic Slice: A tasty piece of cherry chip cake with a spoon of whipped cream is always a great choice.
  • Cherry Chip Cake Sundae: Put some vanilla ice cream on a slice. Add hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on the top!
  • Layered Parfaits: Crumble the cake and layer it in a glass with whipped cream, fresh cherries, and chocolate shavings.
  • Cherry Chip Cake Pops: Crumble the cake, mix it with frosting, roll it into balls, dip them in melted chocolate, and decorate with sprinkles.

Cherry Chip Cake: A Sweet Treat with Nutrients

(Note: This is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)

NutrientAmount per Serving (approximate)
Calories350-450
Fat15-20g
Saturated Fat8-12g
Cholesterol75-100mg
Sodium200-300mg
Carbohydrates45-55g
Sugar30-40g
Protein4-6g

Spice It Up: Variations and Creative Twists

  • Almond Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract. This will give a light almond taste that goes well with the cherries.
  • White Chocolate Chips: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
  • Cherry Glaze: Drizzle a simple cherry glaze over the cake for added sweetness and shine. (Mix powdered sugar with a little maraschino cherry juice.)
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Is This the Cake for You? Consider This First

While this cherry chip cake recipe is delicious, it might not be the best choice for everyone.

  • Dietary Restrictions: If you’re following a strict sugar-free or low-carb diet, this cake is probably not a good fit.
  • Allergies: Be mindful of potential allergens, such as gluten, dairy, and eggs. Always check ingredient labels.
  • Cherry Aversion: Let’s be honest, if you hate cherries, this cake is definitely not for you!

FAQ Section:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! Just pit and chop them finely, but reduce the sugar slightly since fresh cherries are less sweet.

How long does this cake stay fresh?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

What’s the best frosting for cherry chip cake?

Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, but buttercream or whipped ganache also work well.

Why are my cherries sinking to the bottom?

Toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.

Let’s Talk Cake! Share Your Thoughts

What are your best memories of cake from when you were a child? Do you have any special ingredients you like to use in your cherry chip cake? Don’t forget to share your stories and ideas in the comments section below!

If you liked this recipe, don’t forget to look at my other cake recipes too!

My Cherry Chip Cake Adventures: A Personal Story

I will never forget the time I was baking this cherry chip cake for my best friend’s  birthday. I managed to pick up the salt instead of sugar! and I didn’t realize that I did until the cake was already in the oven. The whole house smelled like some kind of salty, strange dessert. I was devastated! But thankfully I had enough ingredients to make another cake, and I learned a valuable lesson about paying attention when baking! It always brings a smile to my face every time I bake this cake and I always double check my ingredients.

A slice of cherry chip cake recipe with whipped cream and fresh cherries

How To Make Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: Tasty and Fun

Bitty
Relive that classic box mix taste with this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe! We've taken inspiration from the retro favorite and created a delightful treat featuring naturally pink cherry cake studded with maraschino cherries, all frosted with a rich cherry-almond buttercream.
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12

Equipment

  • Mixer Type for Mixing Butter and Sugar Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to mix the butter and sugar together.
  • Two round cake pans that are 9 inches in size Make sure to grease them and sprinkle flour inside (or you can use parchment paper).
  • Mixing Bowls For dry and wet ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons Accurate measurements are crucial!
  • Rubber Spatula For folding in the cherries and chocolate chips.
  • Wire Rack For cooling the cakes.
  • Offset Spatula For frosting the cake (optional, but helpful).

Ingredients
  

  • All-Purpose Flour 3 cups Make sure it’s fresh! Sift it for a lighter crumb.
  • Baking Powder 3 teaspoons Double-acting is best for a good rise.
  • Salt 1/2 teaspoon Enhances the sweetness.
  • Unsalted Butter 1 cup 2 sticks Softened to room temperature. This is KEY for creaming properly.
  • Granulated Sugar 2 cups For sweetness and moisture.
  • Eggs 3 large Room temperature please! They emulsify better.
  • Vanilla Extract 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract is worth the splurge!
  • Milk 1 cup Whole milk adds richness, but you can use 2% or even a non-dairy alternative.
  • Maraschino Cherries 1 cup Drained and chopped. Pat them dry with paper towels to prevent bleeding into the batter.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips 1 cup Mini chips work best for even distribution.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat: Turn-on your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans as mentioned above.
  • Mix Dry Ingredients : In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Combine Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, beat butter until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
  • Blend Wet and Dry : Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
  • Fold in Cherries and Chips : Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips to avoid overmixing.
  • Bake : Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool and Frost : Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Keyword Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

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