Easy 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: Your New Favorite Doctored Cake Mix Recipe

If you’re a true enthusiast of all things cherry-flavored, prepare to fall in love with this incredible cherry cake. This isn’t just any cake; it’s one of my go-to “doctored cake mix” recipes, brilliantly simple yet incredibly flavorful. It’s also an absolutely fantastic way to put that luscious homemade cherry pie filling to good use, or even a store-bought one when time is of the essence. Get ready for a dessert that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, making it perfect for both everyday treats and special celebrations.

Why This Simple Cherry Cake Recipe Is a Winner

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While I genuinely adore the art of baking from scratch, there are countless occasions that call for a clever shortcut. Think about bustling holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or even a last-minute potluck. These days are often packed with activities, family time, and other preparations, so spending hours perfecting a dessert might not be at the top of your list. This doctored cake mix recipe offers a brilliant solution, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert without the extensive time commitment. It transforms a basic white cake mix into something extraordinary – moist, rich, and bursting with authentic cherry flavor.

My love affair with cherries runs deep. Whether I’m enjoying them fresh from the market during peak season or whipping up nostalgic treats like cherry hand pies that bring back childhood memories of Hostess snacks, cherries always bring a smile to my face. This cake perfectly captures that delightful cherry essence, elevated by a hint of almond that complements the fruit beautifully. It’s a flavor combination that’s both classic and universally loved, ensuring every bite is a pure delight.

And let’s not forget the sheer simplicity: this recipe only requires six core ingredients. This means less time spent at the grocery store hunting for obscure items and more time enjoying the baking process – or simply enjoying your day! You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already, making this a spontaneous dessert option that’s always within reach. The result is a wonderfully moist cake with a tender crumb, all thanks to the clever additions that enhance the humble cake mix. It’s truly a testament to how easy and rewarding semi-homemade baking can be.

RELATED: You might also love these easy, delicious cake recipes – Strawberry Cake and Pistachio Cake.

Expert Baking Tips & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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• Ignore the Box Instructions: This is crucial for doctored cake mixes! You do not need the ingredients listed on the back of the white cake mix box. Instead, follow the specific ingredients and measurements provided in this recipe for the best results. Our recipe alters the classic cake mix proportions to create a richer, more homemade-tasting cake.
• Softening Butter and Cream Cheese: For a perfectly smooth and creamy frosting, it’s vital to soften your cream cheese and butter. However, don’t let them get warm or melted – just take the chill off. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes when left at room temperature on the kitchen counter. For faster softening, you can cut the cream cheese and butter into smaller cubes before setting them out. This allows them to reach the ideal consistency more quickly and blend effortlessly, preventing lumps in your frosting.
• Adding Powdered Sugar: When incorporating powdered sugar into your frosting, especially with a powerful mixer, it can sometimes create a sugary cloud in your kitchen. If you’re using a stand mixer, a simple trick is to cover the top of the bowl with a clean kitchen towel while mixing on low speed to contain the sugar. For hand mixers, add the powdered sugar very slowly, perhaps a cup at a time, or even stir it in initially with a wooden spoon before beating it with the mixer until it becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth.

More Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I store this cherry cake? Store the cake, covered, in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. For optimal flavor and texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! This cake is excellent for making ahead. You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it, covered, at room temperature. Prepare the frosting, refrigerate it, and then frost the cake a few hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• What kind of cherry pie filling should I use? Both homemade cherry pie filling and a good quality canned cherry pie filling work wonderfully. If using canned, choose one that’s not overly sweet, as the frosting will add plenty of sweetness. The natural tartness of the cherries provides a lovely balance.
• Can I use a different pan size? This recipe is designed for a 13×9 inch pan. For cupcakes, bake for 18-22 minutes. For a bundt cake, increase baking time to 50-60 minutes. Always check for doneness with a toothpick. Adjusting pan sizes may require slight modifications to baking time and yield.
• What if I don’t have almond extract? While almond extract really enhances the cherry flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it. The cake will still be delicious with just vanilla extract. Alternatively, you could try a tiny dash of cherry extract for an even bolder cherry punch.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cherry Cake

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As I highlighted above, the magic of this recipe begins with a simple box of white cake mix. However, it’s crucial to disregard the ingredient list on the back of the box! Our recipe carefully adapts and enhances the mix, creating a richer, more unique flavor and texture. Please refer only to the specific ingredients listed in the printable version below for your cake batter.

Essential Ingredients for the Creamy Cherry Frosting

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While a canned white frosting could work in a pinch, or you could opt for your favorite store-bought variety, I truly believe that this cake reaches its full potential when paired with my homemade cherry cream cheese frosting. The tangy sweetness and incredibly smooth texture of this frosting perfectly complement the rich cherry cake, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. It’s definitely worth the extra few minutes!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Cherry Cake with Cherry Frosting

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These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize each stage of making this delightful recipe. For a convenient, printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Lightly spray or grease a 13×9 inch baking pan, ensuring it’s ready for the batter.
2. Measure out 1/3 cup of your cherry pie filling and set it aside. This portion will be used later to infuse your frosting with that irresistible cherry flavor.
3. In a large mixing bowl, using a mixer on low speed, combine the dry white cake mix, large eggs, baking powder, both vanilla and almond extracts, and the remaining cherry pie filling. Mix gently until just combined, ensuring all dry ingredients are moistened.
   
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium and continue beating for about a minute, or until the batter is smooth and creamy. This ensures a uniform texture and helps develop the cake’s structure.
   
5. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your greased baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread and level the batter across the pan, ensuring even baking.
   
6. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates that the cake is fully cooked. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan before frosting. Patience here ensures a sturdy, perfectly cooled canvas for your delicious frosting!
   

Crafting the Luscious Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

1. With your mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until the mixture is light, airy, and beautifully creamy. This step is essential for a smooth frosting.
   
2. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add in the reserved 1/3 cup of cherry pie filling, along with both the almond and vanilla extracts. Mix until these ingredients are just incorporated.
   
3. Once combined, increase the speed to medium again and beat for another minute or two. This will break down the cherry pieces in the pie filling, distributing their vibrant color and flavor throughout the frosting, creating a gorgeous hue.
4. Turn the mixer back to low and slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until it is fully incorporated and the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. If the frosting seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash of milk (a teaspoon at a time) to reach your desired texture. Keep the finished frosting refrigerated until you are ready to use it, as it contains cream cheese.
   
5. Once the cake has completely cooled, generously spread the cherry cream cheese frosting over the top. For calorie counting purposes, cutting the cake into 24 pieces is recommended, but feel free to slice it however you like for your gathering. A beautifully frosted cake is a treat for the eyes as well as the palate!
   

This cherry cake, with its perfect blend of moist texture and a captivating cherry and almond flavor, is truly a crowd-pleaser. The subtle almond notes elevate the cherry, creating a sophisticated yet comforting taste that everyone will adore. For those who love to experiment, consider adding a handful of white chocolate chips or, for a more intense flavor, bittersweet chocolate chunks to the cake batter. Imagine topping that with a rich chocolate ganache – an exquisite twist that promises an even more decadent experience!

More Delightful Cherry Recipes to Explore

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• Creamy Cherry Cheesecake
• Warm Crockpot Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
• Festive Maraschino Cherry Bundt Cake
• Quick 3-Ingredient Cherry Cupcakes
• Sweet Cherry White Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Easy Cherry Pie Bars
• Classic Homemade Cherry Pie

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This delightful recipe was expertly adapted from Sweetheart Cherry Cake and was originally published on February 15, 2011. It has since been lovingly updated with fresh new photos and enhanced expert tips to provide you with the best baking experience.