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
Scale
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.
