Walnut Cherry Cake
A delightful walnut cherry cake featuring layers of moist white cake infused with chopped walnuts, topped with colorful whipped topping, and decorated with reserved walnuts. Its combination of nutty, fruity, and creamy flavors makes it perfect for celebrations or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coarsely chop 1/4 cup of walnuts and set aside.
- Chop remaining 3/4 cup of walnuts medium finely.
- Prepare the cake mix according to package instructions, adding vanilla and 3/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
- Bake the cake layers in two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Cool the cake layers for 10 minutes and then remove from pans.
- When completely cooled, fold red food coloring into the thawed whipped topping.
- Spread a 1-inch wide ring of the colored whipped topping on the outer edge of each cake layer.
- Spoon pie filling in the center of each layer.
- Stack the layers on a serving plate and spread remaining whipped topping on the sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of walnuts on top of the cake.
- Chill the assembled cake before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts before chopping them. If you want to make this recipe vegan, consider using a plant-based cake mix and a dairy-free whipped topping. You can also enhance the flavor by adding almond extract along with the vanilla. Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade of pink.
Serving Suggestions
This Walnut Cherry Cake is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful dessert after a meal. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of additional whipped topping. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its moisture, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. If you need to reheat, microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Cherry Cake contains roughly 84 calories, with 0g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
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 pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you may need to add sugar to taste and possibly a bit of cornstarch to thicken them. Cook the cherries briefly to create a topping that mimics the consistency of pie filling.
What can I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a light fruit salad or a refreshing scoop of sorbet. For a richer experience, serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It also goes wonderfully with a warm beverage like coffee or tea.
How long does it take to bake the cake layers?
Bake the cake layers according to the package instructions, usually around 25-30 minutes at 350°F. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
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).