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Cherry Blossom Dream Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 102 reviews

Cherry Blossom Dream Cake is a delightful pink-hued layered cake infused with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of maraschino cherries. Moist and tender from buttermilk and a mix of butter and vegetable oil, this cake is flavored with almond extract and enhanced with chopped maraschino cherries baked right into the batter. Finished with a creamy buttercream frosting tinted with maraschino cherry juice and garnished with whole maraschino cherries, this cake is perfect for celebrations and cherry lovers alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons almond extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
  • A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional)

For the Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pink or red food coloring (optional)

For Garnish:

  • Whole maraschino cherries with stems

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking and ensure clean cake removal.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and aerated.
  3. Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavoring: Incorporate eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique ensures even distribution and a moist crumb.
  6. Add Cherry Juice, Chopped Cherries, and Coloring: Stir in the maraschino cherry juice and finely chopped maraschino cherries to infuse the batter with cherry flavor. Optionally, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring to enhance the cake’s color.
  7. Divide Batter and Bake: Pour and spread the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
  8. Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, ensuring even cooling and preventing sogginess.
  9. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently for even mixing.
  10. Add Flavor and Color to Frosting: Mix in the maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the frosting until fully combined. Optionally, add a touch of pink or red food coloring for a cherry-inspired hue.
  11. Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and proceed to frost the top and sides evenly with the remaining frosting.
  12. Garnish and Serve: Decorate the top of the frosted cake with whole maraschino cherries with stems. Serve the cake at room temperature to enjoy its optimal flavor and texture. Delight in your Cherry Blossom Dream Cake!

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, buttermilk) help create a smoother batter and better cake texture.
  • If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, consider soaking the cake layers briefly with additional maraschino cherry juice before frosting.
  • For best results, use fresh maraschino cherries with stems for garnish to enhance presentation.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Pink food coloring is optional but helps achieve a striking cherry blossom appearance.
  • Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Cherry Blossom Cake, Maraschino Cherry Cake, Pink Layer Cake, Almond Extract Cake, Buttercream Frosting, Celebration Cake, Cherry Dessert

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/cherry-blossom-dream-cake-recipe/