Name: Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1¼ cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup milk; 1 cup cherry pie filling; 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thicker swirl); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract

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If you are craving a dessert that effortlessly combines stunning looks with irresistible flavor, this Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine biting into a soft, buttery vanilla cake that’s tender and moist, with a vibrant cherry filling creating eye-catching red swirls throughout every slice. This cake is far from ordinary; it’s the perfect showstopper for any gathering, whether it’s a cozy holiday treat, a romantic Valentine’s Day dessert, or a delightful surprise at your next potluck. The balanced sweetness and delicate texture make it a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in cake form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top view of various baking ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface, including three white eggs near the center, a small white bowl filled with bright red cherries to the upper right, and a square white dish with a thin blue rim holding a large pile of white flour to the left. Below the flour, there's a white plate with two sticks of pale yellow butter and smaller chunks. Surrounding these are small clear glass bowls containing light brown sugar, cinnamon powder, vanilla extract, white salt, baking powder, and lemon juice. Additionally, a white bowl filled with white granulated sugar is at the top left and another white bowl with thick white yogurt is placed near the cherries. A couple of loose cherries rest near the butter plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the rich butter providing moisture and softness to the flour ensuring structure, every component is essential for creating the luscious crumb and delightful cherry swirls.

2½ cups all-purpose flour: Offers the perfect base to give the cake structure while keeping it tender.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
½ tsp salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness, bringing out the flavors.
1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while aiding in achieving a tender crumb.
3 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind everything together with a silky texture.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor that complements both cake and cherry filling.
1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps to create a moist crumb.
1 cup cherry pie filling: The star ingredient that gives the cake those gorgeous swirls and bursts of fruity sweetness.
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional): Thickens the cherry swirl for a more defined marbling effect.
1 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze): Adds a touch of sweetness and shine as a finishing drizzle.
2–3 tbsp milk (optional glaze): Thins the powdered sugar to just the right consistency for glazing.
½ tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional glaze): Enhances the glaze flavor to coordinate perfectly with the cherry notes.

How to Make Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour your 9×13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. Meanwhile, gather your ingredients so everything is at hand — softening butter ahead of time really helps with creating that light, fluffy batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, which leads to an evenly baked cake with balanced flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This creaming process incorporates air, creating a tender, light texture that’s vital for any great cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract, which will deepen the aroma and flavor base of the cake.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently and just until combined. This helps prevent overworking the batter, keeping the cake tender instead of tough.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Cherry Filling

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the surface. For a thicker swirl, you can mix the cherry filling with cornstarch to help it set better in the cake.

Step 7: Create the Cherry Swirls

Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cherry filling through the batter. The key here is to swirl just enough to create beautiful marbling without blending the colors until they disappear.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan and adding any glaze or toppings.

Step 9: Optional Glazing

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the completely cooled cake to add a delightful sweet finish that complements the cherry flavor perfectly.

How to Serve Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a rectangular white baking pan filled with a freshly baked dessert. It has a golden brown crust with swirls of bright red fruit filling mixed throughout, creating a marbled effect on top. The fruit filling appears juicy and slightly glossy, with some parts sunken into the soft dough while others rest on the surface. The crust looks thick and fluffy around the edges, rising slightly above the filling. The background is a white marbled texture, and the lighting highlights the texture and color of the dessert beautifully. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few fresh cherries can add an extra touch of charm. For a decadent finish, dollops of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream make each bite even more luscious and indulgent.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk, making it a versatile treat suitable for afternoon gatherings or evening desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with a drizzle of warmed cherry sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for texture contrast. You can also layer the cake with whipped cream and cherries for a trifle-style dessert that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe covered at room temperature for up to two days to keep it moist and flavorful. If you plan to keep it longer, refrigeration for up to five days is ideal to maintain freshness without drying it out.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing its delightful flavor or texture, allowing you to enjoy this cake anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy the cake as if freshly baked, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that soft, tender crumb and revitalizes the cherry aroma beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a lovely texture and flavor, but you might want to cook them down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create that thick, luscious swirl typical of this cake.

Is this Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe suitable for a Bundt pan?

Yes, a Bundt pan works wonderfully for this cake, creating a stunning presentation with the cherry swirls visible in each slice. Just be sure to adjust baking time as needed, and grease the pan thoroughly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but results may vary. You might need to tweak the liquid amounts slightly to maintain the perfect cake texture.

How important is it not to over-swirl the cherry filling?

It’s quite important! Over-swizzling can cause the cherry filling to blend entirely into the batter, losing the beautiful marbled effect that makes the cake so visually appealing.

What can I do if my cherry swirl is too runny?

Mixing the cherry pie filling with a bit of cornstarch before adding it to the batter firms it up, helping the swirl hold its shape better during baking.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the joy of sharing a slice of this Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe with friends and family. Its tender crumb, beautiful cherry swirls, and luscious flavor create a dessert experience that feels truly special without any complicated fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and witness firsthand just how a simple cake can turn into an unforgettable celebration of color and taste.