George Washington'S Cherry Tree Cake(Make This In Honor Of His Birthday Or Someone Else'S!)
George Washington's Cherry Tree Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining the sweetness of cherry pie filling with rich chocolate chips and warm spices. Its tender crumb and fruity swirls make it perfect for birthdays, gatherings, or any celebration honoring American history or just a love for delicious baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and vegetable oil together; add eggs and vanilla, and mix well.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon; gradually add to the wet mixture.
- Stir in the cherry pie filling and chocolate chips until evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into two greased and floured cake pans or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before frosting if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce for a healthier option, or use melted butter for a richer flavor. If you prefer a stronger cherry flavor, add some additional cherry pie filling to the batter. To enhance the spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but you can dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Tarts for dessert or a hearty cup of coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Spiced Pecan Halves for a crunchy contrast that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw at room temperature and reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of George Washington'S Cherry Tree Cake(Make This In Honor Of His Birthday Or Someone Else'S!) contains roughly 438 calories, with 4g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 692mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to sweeten them and possibly add a thickening agent like cornstarch to mimic the pie filling's consistency. Pit and chop the cherries, then simmer them with sugar until they break down and thicken slightly before adding to the batter.
What can I use as a frosting for this cake?
A cream cheese frosting works wonderfully with this cake, balancing the sweetness of the cherries and chocolate. You can also dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a simple finish, or use a chocolate ganache for a rich topping that brings out the chocolate chips.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cake is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients, aside from eggs. If you're looking for a vegan option, you can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use a commercially available egg replacer.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).