If you love a cake that perfectly balances fluffy texture with vibrant fruit bursts, you are going to adore this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of moist white cake and luscious cherry pie filling swirled throughout, creating a marbled masterpiece that is both visually stunning and utterly delicious. Drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze and with an optional touch of almond extract, this cake is a warm hug on a plate, perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each item is essential, whether it’s the white cake mix providing a tender crumb, or the cherry pie filling adding bursts of sweet and tart juiciness.
- White cake mix (15.25 oz): The base of the cake that ensures a light and airy texture every time.
- Water (1 cup): Hydrates the cake mix and helps blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and richness for a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients and contribute to structure and fluffiness.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz can): Provides the vibrant swirls of sweet and tangy cherries throughout the cake.
- Almond extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cherries.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The key for a smooth, sweet glaze that ties the whole cake together.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons): Adjusts the glaze consistency to just the right drizzle.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds fragrant warmth to the glaze for extra depth.
- Optional whipped cream or fresh cherries: Perfect finishing touches that elevate the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and lump-free. This step ensures your cake batter is perfectly aerated for that ideal fluffy texture.
Step 2: Layer the Cherry Filling
Pour the smooth cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now comes the fun part: drop spoonfuls of the cherry pie filling all over the surface of the batter. This creates those beautiful red swirls that make this recipe so irresistible. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cherries into the batter, making sure not to overmix so the swirls remain distinct.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of warm cherries and almond will start filling your kitchen, building the great anticipation of enjoying this cake. Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before moving on to the glaze.
Step 4: Make and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth glaze. Adjust the milk quantity to get a nice pouring consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into those cherry swirls, enhancing every bite with a delightful glossy finish.
How to Serve Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe truly shine, garnish with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or scatter a few fresh cherries on top. The whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the slightly tangy cherries, while fresh cherries reinforce the fruit theme and add a pop of color for eye-appealing presentation.
Side Dishes
This luscious cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of milk. For a fancier touch, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a citrusy sorbet to balance the sweetness and add a refreshing finish to your dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cake into squares and serve on pretty dessert plates for a simple approach. For parties, consider cutting smaller bite-sized pieces, placing them in mini cupcake liners, and topping with a cherry or almond slice. You could also layer cake slices between plates with mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for a decadent layered dessert twist that wows your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe fresh by covering it tightly with plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. At room temperature, it stays delicious for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate and enjoy within 5 days, which also helps maintain the glaze’s integrity.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This way you can prep in advance or save some for a special treat whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
If you prefer your Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. This brings back the cake’s soft texture and lightly melts the glaze, giving it that fresh-from-the-oven feel even after storage.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can add a nice texture and natural tartness. Be sure to pit them and toss in a bit of sugar or a splash of cherry juice to mimic the sweetness of pie filling. They may not create as pronounced swirls, but the flavor will be fantastic.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the white cake mix with a gluten-free variety. Just make sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture light. The rest of the recipe remains unchanged.
Can I add nuts to this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe?
For a little crunch, sliced almonds sprinkled on top before baking add lovely flavor and texture. Just keep an eye while baking to ensure they toast nicely without burning.
What other fruit fillings can I use instead of cherry?
Strawberry or blueberry pie fillings are fantastic alternatives and pair beautifully with the almond extract and vanilla glaze. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite twist on this recipe.
How do I avoid the cherry swirls mixing too much into the batter?
The key is to gently swirl the cherry pie filling with a knife or skewer without over-stirring. Think of it as creating marbled effects—delicate, distinct swirls rather than blending the filling completely.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. Its effortless preparation, combined with vibrant fruit flavor and a luscious glaze, makes it a timeless dessert that anyone can master. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easily this cake becomes a beloved part of your recipe collection.
Print
Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines a classic white cake mix with luscious cherry pie filling swirled throughout. Enhanced with a touch of almond extract and a sweet vanilla glaze, this cake is perfect for any occasion and can be served warm or at room temperature with optional whipped cream or fresh cherries.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Cherry Swirl
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and almond extract. Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Assemble cake: Pour the prepared cake batter into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the batter.
- Swirl cherries: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cherry pie filling into the batter. Take care not to overmix to maintain the swirl effect.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. Optionally, top with whipped cream or fresh cherries for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra almond flavor and texture, sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
- You can substitute strawberry or blueberry pie filling as a delicious variation.
- This cake stores well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
