Cherry and Vanilla Layered Cake

This Cherry and Vanilla Layered Cake is a delightful combination of sweet maraschino cherries and fragrant vanilla bean, creating a beautifully layered and flavorful dessert. Using a simple cake mix as the base, this recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and rich taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Using a cake mix simplifies the process, making it perfect for beginner bakers.
• Delicious Flavor Combination – The sweet cherries and aromatic vanilla blend perfectly for a tasty and balanced cake.
• Beautiful Presentation – The layered effect of cherry and vanilla creates a visually stunning dessert.
• Customizable – You can adjust the flavors, add mix-ins, or change the frosting to suit your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a sweet craving, this cake fits the bill.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 2-3 eggs (follow instructions on your cake mix box)
• 15 maraschino cherries, approximately
• 3/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• Seeds of one vanilla bean
• Frosting of your choice (homemade or store-bought)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven according to the cake mix instructions (usually around 350°F/175°C). Grease and flour two round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Batter – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, water, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
3. Divide the Batter – Separate the batter into two equal portions.
4. Flavor the Layers:
   • In one portion, add the seeds of the vanilla bean and mix well.
   • In the other portion, add the maraschino cherry juice and finely chopped cherries, stirring until fully incorporated.
5. Bake – Pour each batter into a prepared cake pan and bake according to the cake mix instructions, usually for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool – Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Assemble the Cake – Once cooled, place the cherry layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting. Stack the vanilla layer on top and frost the entire cake.
8. Decorate – Garnish with extra cherries, sprinkles, or additional vanilla bean seeds for a beautiful finish.
9. Serve and Enjoy – Slice and serve your delicious cherry and vanilla layered cake!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Cherry Cake – Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cherry batter for a chocolate-cherry twist.
• Almond Infusion – Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
• Layered Cupcakes – Make cupcakes instead by layering the vanilla and cherry batter in cupcake liners.
• Whipped Cream Frosting – Swap traditional frosting for a light and airy whipped cream topping.
• Cherry Filling – Add a layer of cherry preserves between the cake layers for extra fruitiness.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep the cake refrigerated for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! Fresh cherries work well, but you’ll need to pit and chop them. Since they don’t have juice like maraschino cherries, consider using cherry juice or puree to keep the flavor balanced.

2. Can I make this cake without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a substitute like applesauce (¼ cup per egg) or yogurt (¼ cup per egg) for an egg-free version.

3. What frosting pairs best with this cake?

A vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or whipped cream frosting complements the cherry and vanilla flavors beautifully.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and frost them just before serving.

5. How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?

Grease and flour your cake pans well, or use parchment paper for easy removal.

6. Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes! A yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix can work, but the white cake mix allows the cherry color to stand out better.

7. How can I enhance the cherry flavor?

You can add a bit of cherry extract or increase the amount of maraschino cherry juice in the batter.

8. Can I bake this in a bundt pan?

Yes, but baking time may vary. Check for doneness with a toothpick, as bundt cakes take longer to bake.

9. Is this cake overly sweet?

The cake has a balanced sweetness, but if you prefer a lighter taste, use a whipped cream frosting instead of a rich buttercream.

10. Can I add nuts to this cake?

Yes! Chopped almonds or pecans would add a nice crunch and complement the flavors well.

Conclusion

This Cherry and Vanilla Layered Cake is a simple yet impressive dessert that brings together the classic flavors of vanilla and cherry in a beautiful, colorful presentation. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a fun baking project, this cake is sure to be a hit. Try different variations, experiment with frostings, and enjoy a delightful homemade treat that’s as tasty as it is stunning!

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