Cherry Blossom Dream Cake Recipe

Introduction

The Cherry Blossom Dream Cake is a delightful pink-hued treat bursting with the sweet flavor of maraschino cherries. This moist, almond-scented cake paired with a cherry-infused buttercream frosting makes for an eye-catching and delicious dessert perfect for any special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for frosting)
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Pinch of salt (for frosting)
• Pink or red food coloring (optional, for frosting)
• Whole maraschino cherries with stems (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, vegetable oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the almond extract.
4. Step 4: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to achieve a pink hue.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Step 6: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Step 7: For the frosting, beat the butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl often.
8. Step 8: Add the maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until well combined. Add food coloring if you want a pink frosting.
9. Step 9: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over it, then top with the second cake layer. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
10. Step 10: Garnish the top of the cake with whole maraschino cherries just before serving.
11. Step 11: Serve the cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your Cherry Blossom Dream Cake!

Tips & Variations

• For deeper cherry flavor, soak the chopped cherries in extra maraschino juice for 15 minutes before folding them into the batter.
• Substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if almonds are not preferred.
• Use cream cheese in place of some butter in the frosting for a tangier flavor.
• Decorate with edible flower petals for a true cherry blossom theme.
• To make the cake vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.

Storage

Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore its soft texture. You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months; thaw completely before frosting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh cherries can be used but will give a different flavor and texture. To mimic the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of maraschino cherries, consider adding a bit of cherry syrup or juice when using fresh cherries.

Why is buttermilk used in this recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness to the cake while reacting with baking soda to help the cake rise, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.

Cherry Blossom Dream Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 146 reviews

This Cherry Blossom Dream Cake is a delightful and visually stunning dessert featuring layers of moist cherry-infused cake tinted a soft pink, layered with luscious maraschino cherry frosting and topped with whole maraschino cherries. The combination of almond extract, cherry juice, and chopped cherries creates a unique, flavorful experience perfect for special occasions or an elegant treat.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Pink or red food coloring (optional)

For Garnish:

• Whole maraschino cherries with stems

Instructions

1. Prepare Pans and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender crumb.
4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Stir in almond extract to add a subtle nutty flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the maraschino cherry juice and finely chopped maraschino cherries. Add a few drops of pink or red food coloring if desired to enhance the cake’s color.
6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to wire racks and allow to cool completely before frosting.
8. Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure even mixing. Add maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat the frosting until well combined. Add pink or red food coloring if you want a matching pink hue.
9. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
10. Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the cake with whole maraschino cherries with stems just before serving. Serve the cake at room temperature to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Use high-quality maraschino cherries for the best flavor and appearance.
• The addition of food coloring is optional and purely for aesthetic; the cake will taste delicious without it.
• This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for optimal moistness.

Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cake, Maraschino Cherry Cake, Almond Extract Cake, Pink Layer Cake, Festive Cake, Cherry Frosting