Midnight Feast Worthy Cherry Cake is the kind of dessert that feels luxurious and comforting at the same time. Moist, tender cake layered or topped with sweet cherries and a soft, velvety crumb makes this treat ideal for late-night cravings or special occasions. The deep red cherry flavor contrasts beautifully with the delicate sweetness of the cake, creating a dessert that feels both elegant and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Midnight Feast Worthy Cherry Cake offers a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. The cherries provide natural juiciness that keeps the cake moist.
It is easy to prepare using pantry staples and fresh or canned cherries. The texture remains soft and tender even the next day.
Another reason to love this cake is its versatility. It can be served plain, glazed, or topped with whipped cream for extra indulgence.
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Midnight Feast Worthy Cherry Cake: Rich, Lush, and Perfectly Indulgent
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and moist cherry cake bursting with juicy cherries and finished with a sweet glaze. This midnight-feast worthy dessert is soft, flavorful, and perfect for late-night indulgence or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cherry juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in cherries and chopped dark chocolate if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before glazing.
- Mix powdered sugar with milk or cherry juice and drizzle over cake before serving.
Notes
- Pat cherries dry to prevent excess moisture.
- Do not overmix to keep cake tender.
- Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a deeper flavor twist.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
All-purpose flour
Provides structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake and enhances moisture.
Unsalted butter
Adds richness and softness.
Eggs
Bind the ingredients and contribute to structure.
Milk
Ensures a moist texture.
Vanilla extract
Enhances sweetness and aroma.
Baking powder
Helps the cake rise evenly.
Salt
Balances sweetness.
Fresh or canned cherries (pitted)
Provide juicy bursts of flavor.
Cherry syrup or juice (optional)
Enhances color and depth of flavor.
Powdered sugar (optional)
Used for garnish.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently until just combined.
Fold in most of the cherries, reserving a few for topping.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Arrange remaining cherries on top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool before dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with cherry syrup.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Refrigerate for up to five days if using fresh cherries. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezing is possible for up to two months. Wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Midnight Feast Worthy Cherry Cake can be customized easily. For a richer flavor, add a small amount of almond extract.
I have experimented with folding in dark chocolate chips, which paired beautifully with the cherries.
You can substitute sour cherries for a more pronounced tartness.
For a layered version, slice the cake horizontally and add whipped cream or cherry filling between layers.
If you prefer a glaze, mix powdered sugar with cherry juice and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 34 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Do Not Overmix
Mix gently to maintain a soft crumb.
Drain Canned Cherries
Excess liquid may affect texture.
Even Distribution
Spread cherries evenly for balanced flavor.
Cool Completely
Allow full cooling before adding glaze.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw and drain before adding to the batter.
How do I prevent cherries from sinking?
Lightly coat them in flour before folding into batter.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Use a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
Is this cake overly sweet?
The cherries provide natural tartness to balance sweetness.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes, chocolate complements cherry flavor beautifully.
How long does it stay fresh?
Up to five days when properly stored.
Conclusion
Midnight Feast Worthy Cherry Cake is a moist, fruit-filled dessert that feels indulgent yet comforting. With its vibrant cherry flavor and tender crumb, it is perfect for late-night treats or special gatherings. Simple to prepare and easy to customize, this cake is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
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