Cherry-topped vanilla cake slice on red plate with white frosting

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A slice of vanilla cake topped with cherries on a red plate with white frosting
Imagine a moist vanilla cake topped with creamy white frosting and a vibrant cherry pie filling. Each slice, served on a red plate, is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

This dessert is simple to make yet stunningly elegant, perfect for celebrations or a sweet finish to any meal.

Why this dessert stands out

  • The vanilla cake is soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist, making every bite delightful.
  • Rich white frosting adds a creamy and sweet contrast to the light cake base.
  • The cherry pie topping provides a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor that ties it all together.

Ingredients you’ll need

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make this Cherry-topped vanilla cake

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting. For the frosting, beat together softened butter and powdered sugar until well combined, then add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy.

Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and top with cherry pie filling. Arrange the cherries in the center or scatter them evenly for a festive presentation.

Ingredient substitutions

If you don’t have cherry pie filling, fresh cherries or cherry preserves can be used as a topping. For a lighter frosting, consider substituting half of the butter with cream cheese.

What to serve with it

A hot cup of coffee pairs beautifully with this dessert, balancing the sweetness. Vanilla ice cream on the side creates a decadent combination for special occasions.

Tips for perfect results

  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter and frosting.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
A slice of vanilla cake topped with cherries on a red plate with white frosting

Cherry-topped Vanilla Cake Slice on Red Plate with White Frosting

This delightful cherry-topped vanilla cake is perfect for any celebration, featuring a light and fluffy texture with a creamy frosting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 cup cherry pie filling
  • 2 cup powdered sugar
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter and powdered sugar until well combined.
  • Add the milk and vanilla extract to the frosting and mix until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the white frosting evenly on top. Decorate with cherry pie filling, placing cherries in the center or scattered evenly over the frosting.
  • Slice the cake and serve each piece on a red plate for a festive touch.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider adding almond extract to the frosting.
Keyword cake, cherry, vanilla
A slice of vanilla cake topped with cherries on a red plate with white frosting

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