Delectable Dried Cherry Cake Recipes: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
Dried cherry cake offers a delightful combination of sweet, tart, and chewy textures, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple afternoon bake or an elegant dessert for a special gathering, dried cherry cake is sure to impress. This article provides a comprehensive guide to creating delicious dried cherry cakes, including various recipes, detailed instructions, tips, and tricks to ensure baking success.
## Why Dried Cherries? The Star Ingredient
Before diving into the recipes, let’s appreciate why dried cherries are the star ingredient. Dried cherries offer several advantages over fresh or candied cherries:
* **Intense Flavor:** Drying concentrates the natural sugars in the cherries, resulting in a more intense and complex flavor profile.
* **Chewy Texture:** The drying process gives the cherries a delightfully chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s crumb.
* **Year-Round Availability:** Unlike fresh cherries, dried cherries are available year-round, allowing you to bake this cake whenever the craving strikes.
* **Shelf Stability:** Dried cherries have a longer shelf life than fresh cherries, making them a convenient pantry staple.
## Recipe 1: Classic Dried Cherry Pound Cake
This classic pound cake recipe is a simple yet elegant way to showcase the flavor of dried cherries. It’s dense, moist, and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for tossing the cherries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer. Properly creaming the butter and sugar is crucial for a tender cake.
4. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
6. **Prepare the Cherries:** In a small bowl, toss the chopped dried cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. Ensure the cherries are well coated.
7. **Fold in the Cherries:** Gently fold the floured cherries into the cake batter until evenly distributed.
8. **Pour into Pan and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the cake browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
9. **Cool the Cake:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Soak the Cherries:** For a more intense cherry flavor and extra moistness, soak the dried cherries in warm water, rum, or cherry liqueur for 30 minutes before using. Drain well before tossing with flour.
* **Add Citrus Zest:** Enhance the flavor by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the batter.
* **Glaze It:** Drizzle the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added texture and flavor.
## Recipe 2: Dried Cherry and Almond Cake
This cake combines the sweetness of dried cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds for a sophisticated and delicious treat. The almond flour adds a delicate crumb and enhances the overall texture.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
* 1 cup (100g) almond flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 1/4 cup slivered almonds, for topping
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Fold in the Cherries:** Gently fold the chopped dried cherries into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. **Pour into Pan and Top with Almonds:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with slivered almonds.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the almonds brown too quickly, tent the cake loosely with aluminum foil.
9. **Cool the Cake:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Almond Extract:** Adjust the amount of almond extract to your preference. You can also use vanilla extract instead.
* **Amaretto:** Add a tablespoon of Amaretto liqueur to the batter for an extra almond flavor boost.
* **Glaze:** Consider a simple almond glaze made with powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk.
* **Texture:** Toast the slivered almonds before adding them to the top of the cake for added crunch and flavor.
## Recipe 3: Dried Cherry and Chocolate Chunk Cake
For chocolate lovers, this cake combines the sweetness of dried cherries with the richness of dark chocolate. It’s a decadent and satisfying treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chunks
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for tossing the cherries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Prepare the Cherries:** In a small bowl, toss the chopped dried cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour.
7. **Fold in the Cherries and Chocolate:** Gently fold the floured cherries and dark chocolate chunks into the batter until evenly distributed.
8. **Pour into Pan and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool the Cake:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Chocolate Type:** Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to enhance the chocolate flavor.
* **Frosting:** Frost the cake with a chocolate buttercream frosting or a simple chocolate ganache.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
## Recipe 4: Spiced Dried Cherry Cake
This cake is infused with warm spices, making it perfect for fall or winter. The combination of spices and dried cherries creates a cozy and comforting treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 1/2 cups (300g) packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for tossing the cherries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a bundt pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. **Prepare the Cherries:** In a small bowl, toss the chopped dried cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour.
7. **Fold in the Cherries and Nuts (optional):** Gently fold the floured cherries and nuts (if using) into the batter until evenly distributed.
8. **Pour into Pan and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes (for a 9×13 pan) or 45-55 minutes (for a bundt pan), or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool the Cake:** Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Spice Blend:** Adjust the spice blend to your preference. You can also add ginger or cardamom.
* **Molasses:** Add 1-2 tablespoons of molasses to the batter for a deeper, richer flavor.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Top the cake with a cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.
* **Apple Cider:** Replace the buttermilk with apple cider for a festive fall flavor.
## Recipe 5: Vegan Dried Cherry Cake
This recipe is perfect for those following a vegan diet. It uses plant-based ingredients to create a moist and delicious cake without compromising on flavor or texture.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
* 1 cup (240ml) plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk)
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup (150g) dried cherries, roughly chopped
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for tossing the cherries
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Oven and Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square cake pan or a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, plant-based milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. The apple cider vinegar helps to activate the baking soda and create a light and fluffy texture.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Prepare the Cherries:** In a small bowl, toss the chopped dried cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour.
6. **Fold in the Cherries:** Gently fold the floured cherries into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. **Pour into Pan and Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool the Cake:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Flaxseed Meal:** Replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal ‘egg’ for added moisture and binding. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding it to the wet ingredients.
* **Citrus Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to enhance the flavor.
* **Vegan Frosting:** Top with a vegan buttercream frosting or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and plant-based milk.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
## Essential Tips for Baking the Perfect Dried Cherry Cake
Regardless of the specific recipe you choose, here are some essential tips to ensure baking success:
* **Use High-Quality Dried Cherries:** The quality of your dried cherries will directly impact the flavor of your cake. Choose plump, moist, and flavorful dried cherries from a reputable source.
* **Soak the Cherries (Optional):** Soaking the dried cherries in warm water, rum, or cherry liqueur will plump them up and enhance their flavor.
* **Flour the Cherries:** Tossing the dried cherries with a tablespoon or two of flour before adding them to the batter will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix the batter until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients, especially butter and eggs, helps to create a smooth and even batter.
* **Preheat Your Oven Properly:** Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside. This will ensure even baking.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake to check for doneness. The skewer should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
* **Cool the Cake Properly:** Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and allow it to cool evenly.
## Storing Dried Cherry Cake
To keep your dried cherry cake fresh and moist, store it properly:
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can also freeze the cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
## Serving Suggestions
Dried cherry cake is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **With Tea or Coffee:** A slice of dried cherry cake is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.
* **With Ice Cream:** Serve warm dried cherry cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Top with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy treat.
* **With Custard:** Pair with a creamy custard sauce for a rich and satisfying dessert.
* **Glazed:** Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
## Conclusion
Dried cherry cake is a versatile and delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. With these recipes and tips, you can create a variety of delightful cakes that are sure to impress your family and friends. Experiment with different flavors and variations to find your perfect dried cherry cake recipe. Happy baking!