Saucy Cherry Cake
A moist, flavorful cherry cake featuring dark cherries and pecans, topped with a luscious cherry sauce, perfect for dessert gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
- Cool slightly and cut into squares.
- Pour cherry sauce over the cake before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Be sure to drain the cherries well if you prefer a less moist cake. For added texture, fold in some shredded coconut.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, drizzled with the cherry sauce. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a delightful pairing. This cake also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or alongside a fresh fruit salad for a light dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Saucy Cherry Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to maintain their moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Cherry Cake contains roughly 446 calories, with 2g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 999mg per serving (43% 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 canned?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh cherries! Just pit and chop them, and you might need to adjust the sugar since fresh cherries can be less sweet than canned. You may also need to add a little extra juice or liquid to the batter to maintain moisture.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, try serving it with a generous amount of the cherry sauce on top. You can also brush the cake with simple syrup or fruit juice to add moisture. Additionally, ensuring not to overbake the cake can prevent dryness in future attempts.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it well to keep it moist. Add the cherry sauce just before serving to keep the cake fresh and flavorful.
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).