Directions to follow
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay.
- Fold in the chopped cherries, chocolate chips, and reserved walnuts if you’re using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is wonderful on its own, but consider dressing it up a bit! Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
- Slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious dessert experience.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh cherry halves and chocolate shavings.
How to store & freeze
To keep your Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake fresh, store it at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. If you’d like to extend its life, you can freeze the cake. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay good for about 2-3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, let the slices thaw at room temperature.
Helpful cooking tips
- For added moisture, you might consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- When working with fresh cherries, ensure they’re pitted and chopped evenly for consistent flavor throughout the cake.
- If you can’t find cherries, other fruits like blueberries or raspberries can make delightful substitutes!
- To add a hint of spice, consider incorporating a dash of cinnamon or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Creative twists
Why not explore some variations of the classic recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Cherry Marble Cake: Create a marble effect by swirling in some chocolate batter made with cocoa powder.
- Bourbon-Cherry Glaze: Drizzle a glaze made from bourbon, powdered sugar, and a splash of cherry juice for a grown-up twist.
- Nut-Free Version: For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts; the cake is still delicious without them!
- Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan butter, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based take.
FAQs
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time for Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is around 15-20 minutes, with about 50-60 minutes of baking time.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them after thawing and draining any excess moisture.
How should I store leftovers?
To store leftovers, wrap the cake in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. You can also freeze individual slices for future enjoyment.
Do you have any more queries? Feel free to reach out or try baking this scrumptious cake yourself!
