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
Scale
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.
