German Cherry Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Cuisine: German

A delightful German Cherry Cake featuring a tender base topped with sweet cherries, perfect for dessert or special occasions, combining fruity flavors with a buttery crust.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup shortening

Instructions

  1. Mix together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and shortening in a bowl until well combined.
  2. Take out 1 cup of the mixture and set aside for the topping.
  3. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan to form the crust.
  4. Spread cherries over the crust.
  5. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of mixture over the cherries as topping.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough. You can substitute shortening with butter for a more traditional taste. If fresh cherries are unavailable, frozen or canned cherries work well; just be sure to drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the German Cherry Cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Complement with a cup of Grandma'S Spiced Tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of German Cherry Cake contains roughly 1759 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1759 kcal 88% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4g 8% DV
Total Fat 180.5g 100% DV
Carbs 39.8g 14% DV
Fiber 5.7g 20% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 11.1mg
Potassium 312.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 43.6mg 48% DV
Calcium 31.1mg 2% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

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 other types of fruit for this cake?

Absolutely! While cherries are traditional, you can use other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. Just adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose to maintain the balance in flavor.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still bake up nicely!

What is the best way to know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times may vary based on your oven, and avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

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).

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