Sweet Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, and Blue Swirl Frosting
Sweet Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, and Blue Swirl Frosting is a festive, colorful dessert perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, or any celebration that calls for a burst of color and flavor! The cherry flavor in the cake and the creamy vanilla frosting creates a delicious combination, while the red, white, and blue swirl adds a fun visual touch.
Sweet Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, and Blue Swirl Frosting Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Vanilla Cake:
2 Β½ cups all-purpose flour
1 Β½ cups granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
Β½ tsp salt
Β½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (reserve juice for the cake)
2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of cherries)
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp heavy cream (add more if needed)
Red food coloring
Blue food coloring
Instructions:
Make the Cherry Vanilla Cake:
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and the cherry juice until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream. Beat until smooth and fluffy, adjusting the consistency with more cream if needed.
Divide the frosting into three equal parts. Leave one part white, add a few drops of red food coloring to the second part, and blue food coloring to the third part. Mix well until the desired colors are achieved.
Assemble the Cake:
Place one layer of cake on a serving plate or cake stand.
Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.
Once chilled, frost the cake with the remaining frosting. Use the red, white, and blue frosting to create a swirl effect.
To create the swirl: Place spoonfuls of each colored frosting on top of the cake, then use a knife or offset spatula to swirl the colors together.
Decorate:
Optionally, you can add more maraschino cherries on top of the cake for a festive touch.
Serve:
Slice and serve the cake once itβs fully frosted. The cake is perfect for any patriotic celebration or festive occasion!
Tips:
Extra Cherry Flavor: Add a few tablespoons of cherry juice to the frosting for a stronger cherry flavor.
Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frozen. Just let them thaw before frosting.
This Sweet Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, and Blue Swirl Frosting is not only delicious but also a visually stunning dessert that will be the highlight of any celebration!
