If you’ve ever dreamed of a cake that perfectly combines fruity brightness with rich, creamy swirls, your dream is about to come true. This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is a delicious celebration of moist, fluffy cake infused with luscious cherry pie filling and velvety cream cheese ribbons. Every bite is a joyful mix of texture and flavor, making it one of those desserts you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat yet elegant enough to impress guests at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a vital role—whether it’s adding moisture, richness, or that iconic cherry flavor—that comes together to create something truly spectacular.
- White or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz): The convenient base that ensures a fluffy, tender crumb every time.
- 3 large eggs: Essential for structure and binding your cake batter perfectly.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and soft, preventing it from drying out during baking.
- 1 cup water: Adds the right amount of hydration for a smooth cake batter.
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: Delivers bursts of sweet, tangy cherry goodness throughout the cake.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the creamy swirl and adds subtle richness that balances the cherries.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture just enough for a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with warm, comforting notes.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that adds a delicate sweetness and pretty finish.
- 2 tablespoons milk: Gives the glaze a perfect drizzle consistency.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): A tiny touch that pairs beautifully with the cherries and cream cheese.
How to Make Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake releases beautifully once baked. Next, mix the cake batter by combining the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water as directed on the package. This simple mixture forms the light, airy foundation for your cherry swirl masterpiece.
Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. This luscious cream cheese blend will create those irresistible swirls throughout your cake, offering a creamy contrast to the fruity cherries.
Step 3: Combine Batter, Cherry Filling, and Cream Cheese
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Add dollops of cherry pie filling on top as well. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese and cherry filling into the batter. The goal is to create a beautiful marbled effect that looks as stunning as it tastes.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. This precise baking time gives you a cake that’s moist but fully set, with that perfect balance of cream cheese and cherry swirl throughout.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While your cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract (if using) to make a smooth glaze. Once cooled, drizzle it over the top of the cake for a sweet finishing touch that adds just a hint of extra flavor and shine.
How to Serve Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by adding fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted almond slices on top of the glaze. These simple additions not only add color but also introduce extra texture and taste, elevating the cake from delightful to show-stopping.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Both options complement the rich cream cheese and fruity cherry flavors perfectly, making every forkful a little moment of bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of cherry sauce alongside for an impressive touch. You can also cut the cake into small squares and serve as finger food at parties, making it easy to enjoy this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe in any setting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration will extend freshness up to 5 days without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
If you enjoy your cake warm, simply microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds. This will soften the cream cheese swirl and highlight the cherry flavors, making each bite taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake batter instead of the boxed mix?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute your favorite homemade white or yellow cake recipe. Just make sure the batter is pourable to achieve the perfect swirl effect with the cherry and cream cheese mixtures.
Is there a substitute for cherry pie filling?
Yes! You can swap the cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry pie filling for a fun and tasty variation. Each fruit filling adds its unique flavor while keeping the cake moist and vibrant.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your pie filling is gluten-free as well. This way, you won’t miss out on the deliciousness of this Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe.
What’s the best way to achieve the swirl effect?
Gently swirling with a knife or skewer is key. Resist the temptation to overmix, or you’ll lose those pretty distinct marbled swirls that make this cake so special.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just bake the batter in two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keeping an eye on doneness with a toothpick test will ensure perfect results.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe is pure joy on a plate. It’s a fantastic blend of simple ingredients turned into something rich, fruity, and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this cake promises to bring smiles and satisfied sighs all around. Go on, whip up a batch and watch it quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation!
Print
Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Decadent Cherry Swirl Cake combines the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of cherry pie filling swirled into a moist white or yellow cake. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy fruity, creamy, and beautifully marbled cakes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for gatherings or comforting treats.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box white or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
Filling and Swirl
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cake Batter: Prepare the cake mix according to the package instructions by combining the cake mix, 3 large eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 1 cup water. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the greased baking dish or pans, ensuring a smooth surface.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Cherry and Cream Cheese Swirls: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling over the cake batter in various spots.
- Swirl Mixtures: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture and cherry pie filling into the batter, creating an attractive marbled effect without fully blending them.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional) until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake before slicing and serving for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry filling for a delicious variation.
- This cake is especially delightful served slightly warm, accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth swirl mixture.
- Use a gentle hand when swirling to maintain the marbled appearance without mixing everything together.
