This Heart Shaped Cherry Cake is the perfect treat to brighten up any occasion. Imagine bringing a beautiful, heart-shaped cake to your next gathering; it’s sure to catch everyone’s eye and taste buds! Not only does it look amazing, but it also combines the comforting flavors of cherry pie with a delightful cake-like texture. It’s easy to make and even more fun to decorate. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just want to impress your family, this cake is your go-to recipe. In just a few simple steps, you’ll create something that smells heavenly and tastes even better. So grab your apron, and let’s get started on this charming dessert that’s bound to leave everyone wanting more!
Why This Recipe Works
This Heart Shaped Cherry Cake combines the convenience of a cake mix with the richness of delicious cherry pie filling. By using cake mix, you save time while still ensuring an incredibly moist cake. The thick batter won’t just sit there; it bakes to perfection, providing both structure and moisture. No one likes a dry cake! So, you can feel confident knowing this heartwarming dessert is easy to make and delightful to consume, making it an instant hit for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Heart Shaped Cherry Cake
The beauty of this cake goes beyond its appearance. This cake isn’t just visually stunning; it packs an incredible punch of flavor and nostalgia. Each slice brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and special celebrations, making it the ideal treat for anyone who loves sweet desserts. Plus, it’s a cake that’s full of love—literally! Everyone at your table will appreciate the effort you put into creating such a delicious and beautiful dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (plus more for garnish if desired)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Preparing Your Heart Shaped Cherry Cake
Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is an essential step! While the oven heats, take a moment to lightly grease an 8 or 9 x 2½-inch heart-shaped cake pan. If you don’t have this specific pan, no worries! A 9×13-inch pan works just as well.
Mix the Cake Batter
Next, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry cake mix, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, almond extract, and half of the cherry pie filling. Use an electric mixer to mix these ingredients on medium speed until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix; you want it well combined but not too airy. Then, gently fold in the remaining cherry pie filling. This adds a delightful surprise in every bite!
Pour and Level the Batter
After mixing, transfer the thick batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to level the top because you want it to bake evenly. This ensures a nice flat surface for frosting later.
Bake the Cake
Now it’s time to bake! Place the cake in the preheated oven. If you’re using a heart-shaped pan, bake for 65-75 minutes. For a 9×13 pan, you’ll need 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before turning it onto a serving platter. Patience is key here!
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
While your cake is cooling, let’s make the frosting! In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. After the sugar is blended in, add 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If it feels too thick, just add a little more milk until you’re happy with it.
Optional Food Coloring
This is your chance to get creative! If you’d like to add some color to your frosting, now’s the time. Add food coloring to create your desired shade. Just remember, a little goes a long way, so mix in a small amount at a time.
Frost the Cake
Once your cake has completely cooled, it’s time to frost! Spread the buttercream evenly around the sides and the top of the cake. Make sure each bite is creamy and decadent; you want the frosting to be a highlight, not an afterthought.
Add Garnishes
To make your cake even more special, spoon additional cherry pie filling over the top, leaving about an inch around the edges for a finished look. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles to jazz it up!
Pipe Decorations
For a finishing touch, fill a decorating bag fitted with a 1M tip with any remaining frosting. Pipe decorative designs around the cherry pie filling or the edges of the cake. This part is all about showing off your creativity!
Serving Suggestions
When serving this Heart Shaped Cherry Cake, why not top it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream? These sides provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making your dessert experience even more enjoyable.
Tips for Success
- Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results. This helps everything blend nicely.
- Remember, don’t over-mix the batter; this helps maintain the cake’s fluffiness and texture.
- Adjust baking times based on your oven’s performance. Observing and tweaking ensures the perfect bake every time.
Variations
Want to mix things up a bit? You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry or mixed berry filling for a unique twist. Just think of the different flavors and colors you can create! Also, if you prefer a lighter flavor, use almond extract sparingly to suit your taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Absolutely! Use any flavor of cake mix. Yellow or butter cake can also work wonderfully for your cherry cake.
2. How should I store the leftover cake?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes! You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
4. Is it necessary to use an electric mixer?
Not at all! While an electric mixer makes mixing easier, you can still achieve beautiful results by mixing by hand with a whisk or spoon.
5. How can I make this cake more festive?
Adding edible glitter, colorful sprinkles, or themed decorations can easily match your occasion, creating a festive display.
The Heart Shaped Cherry Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of love, flavor, and creativity. Serve it at gatherings, or enjoy it on a quiet evening. This cake is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
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Heart Shaped Cherry Cake
This beautiful Heart Shaped Cherry Cake combines the comforting flavors of cherry pie with a cake-like texture. Easy to make and ideal for any occasion!
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (plus more for garnish if desired)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (1 pound) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–4 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease an 8 or 9 x 2½-inch heart-shaped cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix dry cake mix, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, almond extract, and half of the cherry pie filling until just moistened.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and level the top.
- Bake for 65-75 minutes for heart-shaped pan or 40-45 minutes for 9×13 pan until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before transferring to a serving platter.
- For frosting, blend softened butter, vanilla, and almond extract; gradually add powdered sugar, and mix with milk for desired consistency.
- Frost the cooled cake and garnish with additional cherry pie filling, if desired.
- Decorate with mini chocolate chips or colorful sprinkles.
- Pipe designs with any remaining frosting for a creative touch.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Avoid over-mixing to maintain the cake’s fluffiness.
You can substitute cherry filling with blueberry or mixed berry filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65-75 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 4
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 80
