Easy & Moist Cherry Loaf Cake: Your Go-To Recipe for Fresh or Frozen Cherries
This incredibly easy Cherry Loaf Cake is a perfectly moist vanilla cake bursting with the delightful flavor of fresh or frozen cherries, all baked conveniently in a loaf pan. Its simplicity makes it ideal for any baker, promising a super delicious outcome every time. Whether you enjoy it as a decadent dessert (perhaps topped with a sweet glaze) or a delightful breakfast treat (just as it is) alongside your favorite cup of coffee, this versatile cherry cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen!
If you’re a devoted fan of cherries, prepare to fall in love with this effortless cake. It’s absolutely packed with vibrant cherry flavor, thanks to a harmonious blend of juicy fresh or frozen cherries, the rich tang of Lifeway Black Cherry Kefir, and a beautiful swirl of cherry preserves on top. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a quick bread that comes together in mere minutes, echoing the delightful simplicity of recipes like our white chocolate raspberry loaf cake. The result is a gorgeous, simple, and utterly irresistible cherry cake loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
This delightful recipe is proudly sponsored by Lifeway Kefir. Their Black Cherry Kefir is a fantastic new addition to their renowned line of organic whole milk kefirs. All Lifeway kefirs are 99% lactose-free, gluten-free, and teeming with beneficial probiotics, supporting a healthy gut. This specific new cherry flavor is not only one of our absolute favorites to drink on its own but also truly shines and adds incredible moisture and flavor to this spectacular cherry loaf cake!
Making a homemade cherry loaf cake has never been easier or more rewarding. This recipe is designed for both novice and experienced bakers alike, ensuring a perfect, tender crumb and an explosion of cherry goodness in every bite. Forget complicated techniques; this quick bread brings gourmet flavor to your table with minimal effort.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]
Why This Easy Cherry Loaf Cake Will Be Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons to adore this Cherry Loaf Cake, making it a staple in your baking repertoire. Here’s why we think you’ll love it:
- Effortless Simplicity: This is a genuinely simple cherry cake recipe, requiring only 10 readily available ingredients and just 4 straightforward steps! You won’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills to achieve a professional-looking and tasting loaf.
- Unmatched Moisture and Flavor: Prepare for a truly moist loaf cake. Each slice is swirled with delightful bursts of your favorite cherries. Whether you opt for sweet Bing cherries, dark Black cherries, delicate Rainier cherries, or even a touch of nostalgia with Maraschino cherries (much like in our cherry ice cream recipe), the cake remains incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Triple Cherry Sensation: We maximize the cherry experience! This loaf boasts a fantastic triple cherry flavor, derived from juicy sliced cherries folded into the batter, the unique tang and depth of black cherry kefir, and a beautiful, sweet swirl of cherry preserves on top. Each component contributes to a rich, complex cherry profile.
- Year-Round Enjoyment: The flexibility to use either fresh or frozen fruit means you can whip up this delightful cake at any time of the year. No need to wait for cherry season – simply grab a bag from your freezer!
- Freezer-Friendly Delight: This cherry cake freezes exceptionally well. Bake a batch when fresh cherries are abundant, then freeze individual slices to enjoy later, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand for an unexpected craving or a quick snack.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From a cozy breakfast with coffee to an elegant dessert served with a dollop of whipped cream, or a simple afternoon snack, this loaf cake fits every moment. Its inviting aroma and beautiful appearance make it a crowd-plepleaser.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cherry Loaf Cake
Crafting this moist and flavorful cherry loaf cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Fresh or Frozen Pitted Cherries: These are the star of our show! Sliced in half, they ensure that every single bite of this moist cherry cake is packed with fruity goodness. If you’re using frozen cherries (which should already be whole and pitted), there’s no need to thaw them; simply cut them with a sharp knife while they’re still frozen to prevent excessive juice release, which could affect the batter’s consistency.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our loaf cake, providing structure and texture. For best results, measure flour by weight using a kitchen scale or use the spoon-and-level method to avoid overpacking.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is crucial for helping our easy loaf cake rise beautifully, resulting in a light and airy texture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and making the cherry notes pop.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder, adding richness and helping create a tender crumb. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other liquid ingredients.
- Lifeway Organic Black Cherry Whole Milk Kefir: This is a secret ingredient for an incredibly moist cake! It adds an amazing depth of black cherry flavor and provides extra moisture due to its acidic properties, which react with the baking powder. Look for it in the refrigerated dairy aisle of your local grocery store. Its probiotics also offer a health boost!
- Vegetable Oil: Using vegetable oil instead of butter ensures that this cake stays wonderfully moist for days without adding any competing flavors, allowing the cherry and vanilla to truly shine.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic enhancer that complements the cherry flavor perfectly, adding a warm, aromatic base.
- Cherry Preserves: Store-bought or homemade cherry preserves can be artfully swirled on top of the cake before baking. This not only adds another layer of intense cherry flavor but also creates a visually appealing, glossy finish to the top of your moist cherry loaf cake.
For a complete list of ingredients and precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
Creative Substitutions & Flavorful Variations
While this cherry loaf cake recipe is perfect as written, feel free to get creative and personalize it to your taste. Here are some ideas for delicious substitutions and exciting variations:
- Almond & Cherry Delight: Infuse your cake with a nutty aroma by adding ¼ to ½ teaspoon of almond extract to the batter. For an extra textural crunch and elegant finish, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the cake before baking. This combination takes inspiration from our almond poppy seed loaf cake and pairs wonderfully with cherries.
- Sweet Icing Drizzle: For an added touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation, drizzle your favorite icing or a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled loaf cake. A cream cheese glaze or a lemon glaze would also complement the cherry flavor beautifully.
- Kefir Alternatives: If Lifeway’s Black Cherry Kefir isn’t available in your area, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with their plain whole milk kefir, which still provides that essential moisture and tangy note. As a last resort, regular buttermilk can also be used, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
- Chocolate Cherry: For chocolate lovers, fold in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate into the batter along with the cherries. Chocolate and cherry is a classic pairing that’s always a hit!
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon (¼ teaspoon) or a tiny dash of cardamom (⅛ teaspoon) can add a subtle warmth and complexity to the cherry and vanilla flavors.
- Different Fruits: While this is a cherry loaf cake, the base recipe is versatile. Consider swapping out half the cherries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed fruit loaf.
- Nutty Topping: Beyond sliced almonds, you could sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the batter before baking for added texture and a rich, toasted flavor.
Please note that this recipe has been thoroughly tested with the original ingredients. If you decide to replace or add any ingredients, we encourage you to experiment thoughtfully and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! We love hearing about your creative twists!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Cherry Loaf Cake
Making this delicious cherry loaf cake is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, moist result every time:
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients & Cherries. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined. Next, add your sliced cherries to this dry mixture and gently toss them to coat. This step is crucial as it helps prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf cake during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, Lifeway Black Cherry Kefir, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until all these wet ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth. Using room temperature ingredients here will help everything combine more easily and yield a more uniform batter.
Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the dry ingredients (with the coated cherries) into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixtures together until they are *just combined*. It’s perfectly fine if a few streaks of flour remain; overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense loaf cake rather than a moist and tender one.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection. Pour the batter into your prepared parchment-lined loaf pan. If you’re using cherry preserves for topping, dollop spoonfuls over the batter and gently swirl them in with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect and extra flavor. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
Expert Baking Tips for a Flawless Cherry Loaf Cake
Achieving a perfect moist cherry loaf cake is easy with these expert tips:
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any quick bread or cake. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until they are *just combined*. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dense, tough, and rubbery cake. A few streaks of flour are acceptable and will disappear during baking.
- Measure Ingredients Precisely, Especially Flour: For consistently excellent results, we highly recommend using a digital kitchen scale to measure your dry ingredients, particularly flour, in grams. Volumetric measurements (cups) can be inaccurate due to variations in how ingredients are packed. If you don’t have a scale, use the “spoon and level” method for flour: lightly spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
- The Parchment Paper Sling: To ensure easy removal of your beautiful cherry loaf cake from the pan without any sticking, create a parchment paper sling. Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing a 2-3 inch overhang on the longer sides. Once the cake has cooled slightly, you can simply lift it out using these “handles.”
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your eggs and Lifeway Kefir are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in the finished cake.
- Don’t Skimp on Cooling Time: While it’s tempting to slice into a warm cake, allowing the loaf cake to cool in the pan for the recommended 20 minutes, and then completely on a wire rack, is essential. This helps the cake to set fully and makes slicing much easier, preventing crumbling.
- Test for Doneness Correctly: Instead of relying solely on baking time, always use a wooden skewer or toothpick to test the center of the cake. It should come out clean, with no wet batter attached. If it comes out with moist crumbs, that’s usually acceptable for a truly moist cake, but wet batter indicates it needs more time.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This versatile cherry loaf cake can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your experience:
- For Breakfast or Brunch: Enjoy a slice as is, with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The subtle sweetness and fruitiness make it a delightful start to the day.
- As a Dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Afternoon Snack: A simple slice is perfect with a glass of milk or a refreshing iced tea.
- Lemon Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice would add a bright, zesty contrast to the sweet cherries.
Common Questions About Cherry Loaf Cake
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to ensure your cherry loaf cake baking experience is a complete success:
Both fresh and frozen cherries work wonderfully in this cake! If using fresh, choose sweet varieties like Bing, Rainier, or even tart cherries if you prefer a less sweet cake. The most important thing is to make sure they are pitted. If using frozen cherries (which are typically pitted and whole), there’s no need to thaw them. Simply cut them in half while frozen. Thawing them beforehand can cause excess juice to bleed into the batter, potentially making the cake soggy or discolored.
A standard 9×5 inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan is ideal for this recipe. However, a slightly smaller 8.5×4.5 inch (1 pound) loaf pan should also work, though your cake might be a little taller and may require a few extra minutes of baking time. Always ensure your pan is greased and lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
While I haven’t personally tested this specific recipe in a muffin tin, it should theoretically bake well. If you decide to make cherry muffins instead of a loaf, keep a close eye on them during baking. Muffins will generally bake much faster than a loaf cake, likely taking around 15-25 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick, ensuring it comes out clean.
Lifeway Kefir products are widely available! You can often find them in the dairy section of most major grocery stores and many convenience stores. To locate a specific flavor or store near you, visit lifewaykefir.com and use their store locator. If the black cherry flavor isn’t available, don’t hesitate to use their plain or vanilla whole milk kefir as a delicious and suitable substitute.
The most common reason for cherries (or any fruit) sinking is that they are too heavy or too wet. To prevent this, ensure you coat your sliced cherries lightly in a tablespoon or two of the dry flour mixture before adding them to the batter. This thin flour coating creates friction, helping them stay suspended throughout the cake during baking. Also, make sure not to overmix the batter, as a thin batter is less able to hold up the fruit.
Proper Storage for Your Cherry Loaf Cake
Ensuring your cherry loaf cake stays fresh and delicious is simple with these storage tips:
Room Temperature Storage
For short-term enjoyment, store your cherry loaf cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. Placing a piece of parchment paper over the cut end can help maintain its freshness.
Freezing Instructions
This cake freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later. Once the cherry loaf cake has fully cooled, you can freeze it whole or sliced. For optimal freshness, we recommend wrapping each individual slice tightly in plastic wrap, then placing the wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. Frozen slices can be stored for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
More Delicious Loaf & Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy cherry loaf cake, be sure to explore more delightful recipes from our collection. From fruity quick breads to decadent desserts, there’s always something new to bake!
- Raspberry and White Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Lemon Cupcakes with Strawberry Filling
- Lemon Cupcakes with Strawberry Filling
- Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake (No Bake)
- Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake
Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @brokenovenbaking and @lifewaykefir on Instagram!
📖 Recipe
Cherry Loaf Cake
Kayla Burton
Pin Recipe
Equipment
-
9×5 inch loaf pan greased and lined with parchment paper
-
Mixing bowls
-
Measuring spoons
-
Scale/measuring cups
-
Whisk
-
Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour weighed in grams or spooned and leveled
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cherries fresh or frozen, pitted and cut in half
-
large eggs room temperature
- ¾ cup (177.44 ml) Lifeway Organic Black Cherry Whole Milk Kefir room temperature
- ½ cup (118.29 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cherry preserves optional, for topping
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly, then lining it with parchment paper, allowing a 2-3 inch overhang on the longer sides to create a convenient “sling” for easy removal.
-
In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until there are no lumps. Add the sliced cherries to this dry mixture and toss gently until they are lightly coated. This helps prevent them from sinking during baking.
-
In a separate, large bowl, combine the room temperature eggs, Lifeway Organic Black Cherry Whole Milk Kefir, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together vigorously until they are well combined and smooth.
-
Carefully pour the dry cherry mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the mixture until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are fine and will disappear as the cake bakes, ensuring a tender crumb.
-
Pour the prepared batter evenly into the parchment-lined loaf pan. If desired, dollop spoonfuls of cherry preserves over the top and gently swirl them into the batter with a knife for an attractive marbled effect. Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
-
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the cherry cake cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This crucial cooling period helps the cake to firm up. After 20 minutes, use the parchment paper sling to carefully lift the cake out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Save This Recipe! 💌
We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Notes
Storage: To keep your delicious cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slices can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure each slice is individually wrapped before freezing to maintain texture and flavor.
The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.