Cherry Loaf Cake Recipe

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🍒 Cherry Loaf Cake Recipe

🌟 Introduction

Cherry Loaf Cake is a moist, fruity, and delightful treat made with fresh cherries and a soft buttery sponge. Its golden crust and juicy cherry-filled slices make it an ideal cake for tea time, picnics, or festive gatherings. Combining the richness of traditional loaf cakes with the freshness of summer cherries, this dessert is both indulgent and refreshing.

📜 History

Fruit cakes have been popular in Europe for centuries, often prepared with dried fruits and nuts. However, using fresh fruits like cherries became more common in the 19th century when cherries were cultivated widely. British bakers were among the first to experiment with cherry loaves, giving rise to the now-famous Cherry Loaf Cake, which blends the classic pound cake style with bursts of juicy cherries. Today, it is a favorite across the world, especially in summer cherry season.

🛒 Ingredients (for 1 loaf, 8–10 slices)

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk or yogurt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • Pinch of salt

🥄 Instructions & Methods

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. Wash, pit, and halve the cherries. Set aside.

Cake Batter

  1. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.
  4. Mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Add the dry ingredients alternately with milk/yogurt until smooth.

Folding in Cherries

  1. Gently fold cherries into the batter (save a few for the top).
  2. Pour batter into the loaf pan and arrange remaining cherries on top.

Baking

  1. Bake for 45–55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Cool for 15 minutes, then remove from pan and let it rest fully before slicing.

⚗️ Formation (How It Comes Together)

  • Butter + Sugar Creaming → traps air, creating a light texture.
  • Eggs → add richness and structure.
  • Milk/Yogurt → keeps cake moist.
  • Cherries → burst with juice while baking, giving natural sweetness and fruity aroma.

💪 Benefits

  • Cherries – Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A & C, and help reduce inflammation.
  • Eggs – High in protein, beneficial for muscle health.
  • Butter & Milk – Provide calcium and energy.
  • Balanced Sweetness – A healthier indulgence compared to frosted cakes.

🍽️ Nutrition (per slice, approx.)

  • Calories: ~240 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Vitamin C: 12% daily requirement

❤️ Lovers of This Recipe

  • Fruit Cake Enthusiasts – Those who prefer fruity flavors in their desserts.
  • Tea-Time Snack Lovers – Perfect companion for tea or coffee.
  • Family & Kids – Sweet but not overly heavy, suitable for children.
  • Seasonal Bakers – Ideal for cherry season when fruits are fresh.

🎯 Conclusion

The Cherry Loaf Cake is a wonderful harmony of soft, buttery sponge and juicy cherries. Its roots in traditional European baking make it a timeless classic, while its refreshing fruitiness keeps it modern and versatile. Whether enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or served chilled as a dessert, this cake is bound to win hearts.

A loaf filled with love, memories, and cherries — for all cake lovers! 🍒🍰

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