Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent, Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake is just the treat you need to make. This cake combines a tender, fluffy vanilla base with luscious ribbons of cherry pie filling and creamy swirls of sweetened cream cheese, all finished off with a delicate glaze. Every slice is marbled with gorgeous color and bursting with cherry-cheesecake flavor. Whether for a potluck, holiday gathering, or a simple family treat, Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake turns any occasion into a celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how this recipe keeps things simple yet spectacular with easily found ingredients. Each component adds its own magic—moistness, richness, vibrant cherry flavor, or beautiful finish—to this irresistible cake.
- Cake mix: Use a white or yellow cake mix as the perfect, fluffy base for the swirls and flavors to shine.
- Water: Keeps the cake moist without making it heavy.
- Vegetable oil: Adds tenderness so every bite is deliciously soft.
- Eggs: Essential for structure and richness in the cake.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall aroma and brings out the cherry and cream cheese flavors.
- Cherry pie filling: Gives the cake its vibrant swirls and juicy, sweet-tart bursts of cherry goodness.
- Cream cheese: Softened for best mixing, it creates those dreamy cheesecake-style ribbons.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese and is also used for the optional glaze.
- Powdered sugar (for glaze): A light, sweet drizzle over the finished cake.
- Milk (for glaze): Helps create the right consistency for the glaze.
- Almond extract (for glaze): Adds a delightful nutty note to complement the cherries.
How to Make Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give your 9×13-inch baking pan a good greasing. This ensures your cake releases effortlessly and keeps the beautiful swirls intact when slicing.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer and beat everything together for about 2 minutes, until the batter is silky and smooth. This foundation sets the stage for the decadent marbling to come!
Step 3: Spread the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This gives you a perfect canvas for the stunning swirls of cherry and cream cheese.
Step 4: Create the Cherry and Cream Cheese Swirls
In a separate small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until velvety. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and the cherry pie filling evenly over the batter. Take a butter knife and gently swirl everything together to create those beautiful marbled patterns—don’t overmix, so you maintain bold, eye-catching ribbons of fruit and cream.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready! Let the cake cool completely in the pan so the swirls set and flavors meld.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of almond extract for an optional glaze. Drizzle this glossy icing over the cooled cake to add a gentle sweetness and irresistible sheen. Now, you’ve got a Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake that looks as dreamy as it tastes!
How to Serve Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake
Garnishes
For a stunning finish, dust the cake with powdered sugar or heap on a handful of fresh cherries. These simple touches highlight the jewel-like cherry swirls and make every piece even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake with vanilla bean ice cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream, or even a scoop of creamy Greek yogurt for breakfast-style decadence. The cool, creamy sides balance the tangy cherries and rich cream cheese perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cake in elegant squares on a white platter, or transform your creation into layered trifles with extra cherry pie filling and whipped cream in clear glasses. You can also cut the cake into rounds using a biscuit cutter for mini desserts—perfect for parties and brunches!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. The cake stays moist and the swirls remain luscious, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy schedules or unexpected guests.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake (without the glaze) for up to two months. Cut it into portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and place in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, then drizzle on the glaze for a just-baked feel.
Reheating
If you’d like to enjoy your cake slightly warm, pop slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. The cream cheese and cherries become beautifully molten—pure comfort! Avoid overheating to preserve the cake’s tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade cherry pie filling instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer, make your own cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries and your favorite sweetener. Just let it cool before swirling it into the cake for the best results.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut your cream cheese into small cubes and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In a hurry, microwave in short 10-second bursts until just softened—don’t let it melt!
Can I bake Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can divide the batter into two round cake pans for a layer cake, or use a bundt pan for an impressive presentation. Adjust baking times as needed and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Is the glaze necessary, or can I skip it?
The cake is delicious with or without the glaze! If you want a lighter version or plan to serve with whipped cream or ice cream, feel free to omit the glaze.
Can I make Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake ahead for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare and bake the cake up to a day in advance, glaze it when cool, and keep it covered until serving. It even tastes better as the flavors meld overnight.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that utterly irresistible, classic-with-a-twist dessert, you simply have to try Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake. It’s easy enough for a casual afternoon and impressive enough for a celebration. I hope you’ll bake it soon and fall in love with those gorgeous, creamy-cherry swirls—one slice never seems to be enough!
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Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake. A moist and fluffy cake with a delightful marbled effect of cherry pie filling and cream cheese, topped with a sweet glaze for the perfect finish.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 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
For the glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour into the pan.
- Create swirls: Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese and cherry pie filling over the batter. Swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool.
- Make the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cake.
Notes
- Top with fresh cherries or powdered sugar for extra flair.
- Try baking in round pans for a layer cake version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
