If you are searching for an irresistible dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is exactly that. Combining the light, fluffy texture of a classic white or yellow cake with luscious cherry pie filling and a creamy, dreamy cream cheese swirl, it creates a perfect marbled masterpiece. Finished with an optional delicate almond glaze, this cake balances sweetness and tang in a way that’s unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply to treat yourself, this recipe brings together simple ingredients that yield spectacular results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to the cake’s moist crumb, rich flavor, or eye-catching appearance. From basic pantry staples to velvety cream cheese and vibrant cherry pie filling, these components work harmoniously to create your stunning treat.
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): Provides a reliable, fluffy cake base that bakes evenly and tastes classic.
- 1 cup water: Hydrates the cake batter to achieve the perfect moist texture.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds richness and keeps the cake tender longer.
- 3 large eggs: Binds ingredients together and boosts structure for a light crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz): Infuses luscious sweetness and fruity bursts throughout the cake.
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy swirl that beautifully contrasts the cherry.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering.
- For the glaze (optional): 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tablespoons milk, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract add an elegant finishing touch with a subtle almond flavor.
How to Make Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat everything together for about 2 minutes until the batter is silky smooth. This smooth batter is the perfect blank canvas for the cream cheese and cherry swirls to shine through.
Step 2: Layer and Swirl
Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased pan. Now, in a separate small bowl, whip together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is luxuriously smooth. Drop spoonfuls of this cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Then, do the same with generous spoonfuls of cherry pie filling. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese and cherry fillings through the cake batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect that promises bursts of flavor in every slice.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t rush this step, as a properly baked cake ensures excellent texture and flavor. Once baked, allow your cake to cool completely to set the swirls and make glazing easier if you choose to add it.
Step 4: Optional Glaze
For an extra layer of sweetness and a delicate almond aroma, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle this glaze over the cooled cake, watching it gently cascade down the marbled surface. It’s the perfect finishing touch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
How to Serve Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by topping the cake with a few fresh cherries for a burst of natural color and flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a snowy contrast against the rich cherry swirls, making each slice picture perfect.
Side Dishes
This cake stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For coffee or tea lovers, a warm cup alongside the cake brings out the almond glaze’s subtle notes and balances the sweet cherry accents.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, consider baking this recipe in two round pans to create a layered cherry swirl cake. Frost between layers with whipped cream or cherry preserves to add height and extra indulgence. Alternatively, cut the baked cake into cubes and serve on dessert skewers with mint leaves for a fun, bite-sized treat at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its moist texture. For slightly longer freshness, refrigerate and enjoy within five days, ensuring the cream cheese swirl stays delightfully creamy.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake to enjoy at a later date. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cake slices can be stored for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm slices of cake in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until just warmed through. If you’ve added the almond glaze, wait until after reheating to drizzle more glaze if desired, keeping each bite moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights convenience with a box mix, homemade white or yellow cake batter will work beautifully if you prefer making your cake from scratch.
Is there a substitute for cherry pie filling?
If cherry pie filling is unavailable, you can use fresh or frozen cherries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to mimic that sweet, thick filling texture perfectly.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the cake mix for a gluten-free version and ensure your pie filling and other ingredients are also gluten-free. The recipe will still come out delicious and moist.
What if I don’t want to use the almond extract in the glaze?
The almond extract is optional and adds a lovely nutty flavor, but you can omit it or replace it with vanilla extract for a classic sweet glaze.
How do I ensure the swirls look pretty in the cake?
Drop the cream cheese and cherry filling in evenly spaced spoonfuls, then gently drag a knife through the batter without overmixing. This technique creates distinct marbled patterns that are visually stunning.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its beautiful marbled allure, creamy swirls, and sweet cherry bursts combine to create a truly memorable dessert. Whether for a cozy family night or a festive celebration, this cake is bound to become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. So grab your ingredients, dive into the fun of swirling those cherries, and enjoy every decadent slice!
Print
Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake combines a moist white or yellow cake base with swirls of tangy cream cheese and sweet cherry pie filling, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Finished with an optional almond-glazed drizzle, it’s an easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Glaze Ingredients (Optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased baking pan and spread it out smoothly.
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add toppings and swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling evenly over the cake batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese and cherries into the batter to create a marbled design.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Adjust milk to get desired drizzle consistency.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake before slicing and serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra decorative touch, top the cake with fresh cherries or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- This recipe can be baked in two round pans to create a layered cherry swirl cake.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and smooth swirls.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
