Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

Celebrate the flavors of summer with this delicious Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting. Perfect for July 4th or Memorial Day gatherings, this cake showcases a beautiful patriotic theme with its vibrant colors and delightful taste. The combination of cherry and vanilla makes each bite a treat, while the festive frosting adds an irresistible touch to your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it suitable even for beginner bakers.
• Festive Appearance: The red, white, and blue swirl frosting creates a stunning visual that impresses guests.
• Delicious Flavor: The blend of cherry and vanilla offers a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and tart.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Ideal for patriotic holidays, birthdays, or any gathering that calls for something special.
• Customizable Options: You can tweak the frosting colors or add different toppings to match your event.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cherry Vanilla Cake, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheets or cake pans
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: These tools ensure thorough mixing of ingredients for a light and fluffy cake texture.
• Mixing Bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in organizing various ingredients efficiently during prep.
• Baking Sheets or Cake Pans: Choosing the right pans ensures even baking and easy removal of your cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups cake flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 1/2 cups dark-sweet cherries (pitted and roughly chopped)

For the Frosting

• 6 large egg whites
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups unsalted butter (softened but cool)
• Red gel paste food coloring
• Royal blue gel paste food coloring
• Violet gel paste food coloring
• Edible star-shaped glitter

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking sheets or cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
* Cake flour
* All-purpose flour
* Granulated sugar
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Kosher salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, use your stand mixer to cream together:
* Softened unsalted butter
and
* Granulated sugar

Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a light cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture. Mix well after each addition. Then stir in:
* Milk
* Sour cream
* Vanilla extract
* Almond extract

Mix until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cake tender.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the pitted cherries into the batter using a rubber spatula. Ensure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them apart too much.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before frosting.

Step 8: Make Swirl Frosting (Instructions from Stemilt’s blog)

Please visit Stemilt’s blog, The Stem, for the full recipe directions on how to create your beautiful red, white, and blue swirl frosting!

How to Serve Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

Serving your Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting can enhance its festive flair. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert even more delightful.

Individual Slices

• Serve slices of cake on individual plates for a polished look. This approach makes it easy for guests to enjoy their portion while showcasing the cake’s beautiful layers.

Cake Pops

• Transform leftover cake into fun cake pops. Crumble the cake and mix it with frosting, then shape into balls and dip in chocolate for a tasty treat.

Parfaits

• Layer pieces of cherry vanilla cake with whipped cream and fresh cherries in clear cups. This creates a stunning visual and an easy-to-eat dessert option.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Use slices of the cake as soft cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor. This combination is perfect for a summer celebration.

How to Perfect Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

Perfecting this cherry vanilla cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter that rises well.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one.
• Cool the cake completely: Allow your cake to cool fully before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures clean slices.
• Experiment with colors: Feel free to adjust the gel food coloring for the swirl frosting based on your theme or preference. A little goes a long way!

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Vanilla Cake enhances the overall experience. Consider these options that complement the sweet flavors of the dessert.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of berries and melons adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: Serve extra whipped cream on the side for those who love an extra creamy texture alongside their slice.
3. Ice Cream: Classic vanilla or cherry ice cream pairs perfectly with this cake, creating a delightful combination.
4. Patriotic Berry Tart: A tart filled with mixed berries offers a slightly tart flavor that balances well with the sweetness of the cake.
5. Nutty Granola: A crunchy granola can add texture when sprinkled on top of each slice or served on the side.
6. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These elegant treats are visually appealing and deliciously rich, making them an ideal side for a festive dessert table.
7. Lemonade Spritzer: Quench thirst with fizzy lemonade spritzers that are light and refreshing against the sweetness of the cake.
8. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory bites that contrast nicely with dessert flavors, providing balance on your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting can be delightful, but there are common mistakes that might affect your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precise measurements. This ensures the right texture and flavor in your cake.
• Skipping the softening of butter: Room temperature butter is crucial for proper creaming with sugar. If it’s too cold, the mixture won’t incorporate air properly.
• Overmixing the batter: Once you add flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light one.
• Ignoring the oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can ruin your cake. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate for even baking.
• Not allowing the cake to cool properly: Let your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess and helps maintain its shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting in an airtight container.
• It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days without losing its flavor.

Freezing Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for better protection.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently so it doesn’t become dry.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat; place a slice on it and cover with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries in this Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

How do I achieve vibrant colors in my frosting?

To get bright colors in your red, white, and blue swirl frosting, use gel paste food coloring rather than liquid dye. Gel colors are more concentrated and will not alter the consistency of your frosting.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for regular flour in the Cherry Vanilla Cake recipe. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What occasions is this cake suitable for?

This festive Cherry Vanilla Cake is perfect for July 4th celebrations or Memorial Day parties due to its patriotic colors!

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Vanilla Cake with Red, White, & Blue Swirl Frosting is not just visually stunning; it’s deliciously versatile too! Perfect for any celebration or family gathering, you can easily customize it by adding different fruits or flavors. Give this recipe a try and impress your guests with this festive treat!