Chip and Cherry Cake Recipe: A Delicious Combination
Cherry chip cake blends sweet cherries and chocolate chips in a moist, buttery sponge. Stemilt’s Bing cherries star in three ways: baked into vanilla layers, cooked into jam filling, and fresh on top. Cream cheese buttercream frosting balances the flavours and textures.
This homemade version beats the retro boxed mix favourite. It’s soft, flavourful, and visually appealing, making it an irresistible dessert choice.
The Perfect Marriage of Cherries and Chocolate
Cherry chip cakes evoke nostalgia, reminiscent of classic Betty Crocker boxed mixes. Juicy cherries and rich chocolate create a timeless flavour profile. Homemade versions offer more control over ingredients, resulting in a sophisticated taste with a retro vibe.
History of Cherry Chip Cakes
Cherry chip cakes originated in mid-20th century America with Betty Crocker’s boxed mixes. These convenient packages allowed home bakers to create classic flavours easily. The cherry and chocolate combination quickly gained popularity, inspiring homemade versions.
Bakers began crafting their own recipes, putting a personal twist on this beloved treat. This shift marked the cake’s evolution from a pre-packaged convenience to a cherished homemade dessert.
Why This Combination Works
The cherry and chocolate pairing thrives due to its complementary flavours and textures. Sweet cherries balance rich chocolate, creating a harmonious taste. The cherries’ subtle tartness cuts through the chocolate’s indulgence, making each bite delightful.
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From Box Mix to Homemade Delight
Many home bakers now create their own cherry chip cakes from scratch. Using fresh or jarred cherries and quality chocolate allows for a more refined taste.
Homemade versions offer control over cherry and chocolate ratios, texture, and moisture. This flexibility enables bakers to craft unique desserts that capture the essence of vintage cake flavours.
The cherry and chocolate combination in cakes boasts a rich history. Its enduring popularity proves the timeless appeal of this classic pairing. This flavour duo continues to captivate bakers and dessert lovers alike.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment
Making a delicious Chip and Cherry Cake requires specific ingredients and equipment. Let’s look at what you’ll need to create this tasty dessert.
Maraschino cherries are the star of this cake. They balance the rich chocolate flavour perfectly. You’ll also need butter, sugar, egg whites, and vanilla and almond extracts.
For dry ingredients, use cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Buttermilk and cherry juice add moisture to the cake. Don’t forget the chocolate chips for that irresistible flavour blend.
You’ll need cake pans and a mixer for the batter. A food processor or sharp knife will chop the cherries finely.
For the cherry-almond buttercream, you’ll need a mixer, powdered sugar, and cream. Additional flavourings will enhance the taste.
| Cake Ingredients | Buttercream Ingredients | Essential Equipment |
|---|---|---|
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Now you have everything you need to make a fantastic Chip and Cherry Cake. Time to start baking and enjoy your creation!
Chip and Cherry Cake Recipe
This homemade cherry chip cake recipe combines cherries and chocolate in a delightful fusion. The classic cake marries sweet and tangy flavours perfectly. Your taste buds will dance with joy at every bite.
Preparing the Cherry Mix
Finely chop 10 ounces (283 grams) of maraschino cherries. Set them aside for later use in the cake batter.
Making the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup (113 grams) of unsalted butter with 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) of granulated sugar. Add 4 large egg whites one at a time, beating well after each.
Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for extra flavour. In another bowl, mix 1 3/4 cups (219 grams) of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and soda.
Add dry ingredients and 1 1/3 cups (315 grams) of buttermilk to the creamed mixture. Fold in the cherries and 1/2 cup (85 grams) of chocolate chips.
Baking Instructions
Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour your cake pans, then pour in the batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool fully.
This cherry chip cake boasts a moist texture and rich chocolate chips. Bursts of cherry flavour make it a true delight. Enjoy it as a special treat or share it with loved ones.
Creating the Perfect Cherry-Almond Buttercream
The cherry-almond buttercream is the star of this scrumptious cake. It’s made with room-temperature sweet cream butter, whipped until fluffy. This heavenly topping pairs beautifully with the moist, flavourful cake layers.
The buttercream gains its irresistible taste from sifted powdered sugar, cherry juice, and heavy cream. A dash of almond extract and salt elevate the flavours. The result is a silky-smooth frosting bursting with character.
This versatile buttercream works brilliantly for filling, frosting, or piping. For a thicker piping consistency, simply add more powdered sugar. The cherry-almond buttercream looks stunning and tastes divine.
“This buttercream is the perfect marriage of sweet cherries and aromatic almonds – a flavour combination that is simply divine!”
The cherry-almond buttercream frosting adds the perfect finish to the Cherry-Almond Cake. Its vibrant colour and silky texture are eye-catching. The rich, indulgent flavour complements the light, fluffy cake layers beautifully.
Professional Decoration Techniques
Master these pro techniques to make your cherry chip cake a showstopper. We’ll cover vintage Lambeth piping and eye-catching cherry garnishes. These methods will give your dessert a stunning look.
Lambeth Piping Method
Chill your cake first for a smooth surface. Use Wilton Tips 6B, 4B, and 104 for shell borders, ruffle garlands, and swirls. Follow a piping template to create a symmetrical pattern.
This classic method adds an elegant, professional touch to your cake decoration. It’s a time-honoured technique that will impress your guests.
Cherry Garnishing Tips
- Dried maraschino cherries make a vibrant garnish. Arrange them in clusters or dot them around the cake for colour.
- Fresh, pitted cherries offer a juicy, seasonal touch. Halve or quarter them and place them artfully on top.
- For a refined look, pipe small rosettes of cherry-almond buttercream around the cake’s edge or on top.
Storage and Presentation
Keep your cake fresh in an airtight container at room temp for up to 4 days. For longer storage, pop it in the fridge or freezer.
When serving, bring the cake to room temperature. This ensures you’ll enjoy its best flavour and texture.
| Cake Decoration Technique | Equipment Needed | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Lambeth Piping | Wilton Tips 6B, 4B, 104 | Intermediate |
| Cherry Garnishing | Dried/Fresh Cherries, Piping Bag | Easy |
| Cake Storage | Airtight Container, Refrigerator | Easy |
“The Lambeth piping method adds a timeless elegance to any cake, perfectly complementing the rich flavours of this cherry chip creation.”
Conclusion
This homemade cherry chip cake offers a delightful mix of flavours and textures. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a nostalgic treat. The recipe allows for customisation, providing a sophisticated take on the classic boxed mix.
With its eye-catching look and tasty flavour, this festive dessert will impress fruit and chocolate fans. It’s versatile, allowing you to try different fillings, frostings, and garnishes. Each slice becomes a unique culinary experience.
Why not indulge in this lovely blend of cherries and chocolate? Create a homemade masterpiece that will wow your loved ones. This cherry chip cake balances sweetness and texture perfectly.
It’s sure to become a treasured recipe in your baking collection. Give it a try and watch it become a new family favourite.
FAQ
What is a cherry chip cake?
A cherry chip cake blends sweet cherries and chocolate chips in a moist sponge. It’s a delightful treat that combines fruity and chocolatey flavours.
What are the key ingredients in a cherry chip cake?
Cherry chip cake features maraschino cherries, butter, sugar, and egg whites. It also includes vanilla and almond extracts, cake flour, and leavening agents.
Buttermilk and cherry juice add moisture and enhance the cherry flavour.
How does the homemade version differ from the boxed cake mix?
Homemade cherry chip cake offers a more refined taste than boxed mixes. It allows better control over ingredients and flavour intensity whilst keeping the fun, retro vibe.
What makes the cherry and chocolate combination work so well?
Cherry’s sweetness perfectly balances chocolate’s richness. This pairing creates a delightful flavour harmony that pleases the palate.
How do you prepare the cherry mix for the cake batter?
To prepare the cherry mix, finely chop maraschino cherries. Set them aside to fold into the cake batter later.
What equipment is needed to make a cherry chip cake?
You’ll need cake pans and a mixer for the batter. A food processor or sharp knife helps chop cherries.
Various piping tips are useful for decorating the finished cake.
How do you decorate a cherry chip cake?
For a vintage look, use the Lambeth piping method with specific Wilton Tips. Create shell borders, ruffle garlands, and swirls for an elegant finish.
Garnish the cake with dried maraschino cherries for extra flair.
How should a cherry chip cake be stored?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the cake.
Bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavour.
