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Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe

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4.3 from 75 reviews

A soft, buttery vanilla cake beautifully marbled with sweet cherry swirls. Moist, light, and visually stunning—perfect for dessert, tea time, or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 45–50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the cake batter:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt

For the cherry swirl:

  • 1 cup cherry pie filling or thick cherry jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
  2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  3. Add eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
  4. Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with its warm, sweet flavor.
  5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
  6. Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk; this helps maintain a smooth, lump-free batter.
  7. Pour batter into pan: Transfer the prepared batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
  8. Add cherry swirl: Spoon the cherry pie filling or thick cherry jam evenly over the surface of the batter.
  9. Swirl cherries: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cherry filling into the batter, taking care not to overmix to preserve a distinct marbled effect.
  10. Bake: Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  11. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving to enhance its texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use homemade cherry compote for a fresher, more natural cherry flavor.
  • Avoid over-swirling to maintain a clear marbled appearance between the cake and cherry layers.
  • Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze to add extra sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegetarian