Name: 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; ⅓ cup cherry pie filling (from the can above); 2 ¼ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Maraschino cherries with stems

This 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a moist and flavorful cake base and a creamy cherry frosting, it’s a simple yet satisfying treat that’s sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy and Convenient: This cake uses a cake mix as a shortcut, making it incredibly easy to prepare with minimal effort and ingredients.
Flavorful and Fruity: The combination of cherry pie filling and a hint of almond extract creates a delicious and fruity flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant pink cake and creamy frosting make this a visually appealing dessert.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake:

For the Cake:

White cake mix: Use a 15.25-ounce box of white cake mix. You don’t need the ingredients listed on the box, just the dry mix.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
Vanilla extract and almond extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor.
Cherry pie filling: Adds a sweet and fruity cherry flavor to the cake.

For the Frosting:

Cream cheese: Softened, creates a creamy and tangy frosting.
Unsalted butter: Softened, adds richness and flavor to the frosting.
Cherry pie filling: From the can listed above, adds a fruity flavor and a beautiful pink color.
Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth frosting.
Almond extract and vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor.

Optional Garnish:

Maraschino cherries with stems: Adds a festive touch and a pop of color.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Measure out ⅓ cup of the cherry pie filling and set it aside for the frosting. In a large bowl, combine the dry white cake mix, eggs, baking powder, vanilla extract, almond extract, and the remaining cherry pie filling. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat until creamy, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely¹ in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, make the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed until creamy. Reduce the speed to low and add the reserved cherry pie filling, almond extract, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 1-2 minutes, or until the cherries are broken down into small pieces. Reduce the speed to low again and slowly add the powdered sugar until completely combined and the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency. Refrigerate the frosting until ready to use.

Step 5: Frost and Garnish

Once the cake is completely cool, frost it with the cherry cream cheese frosting. If desired, garnish each slice with a maraschino cherry with a stem.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature cream cheese, butter, and eggs will blend more easily into the batter and frosting.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
Cool the cake completely: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt. Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting.

How to Serve 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake

Dessert: This 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake is a delicious dessert for any occasion, from birthday parties to potlucks.
Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a sweet afternoon treat.
Special Occasion: Garnish with fresh cherries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a more elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

While white cake mix is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavors, such as yellow cake mix or even chocolate cake mix.

Can I use a different type of pie filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pie filling, such as blueberry, apple, or peach.

Can I make this cake without frosting?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, or you can top it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze.

How can I make this cake vegan?

You can use vegan butter, egg substitutes, and a plant-based milk for the cake batter. For the frosting, you can use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for 6-Ingredient Cherry Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!

Lisa

Hi, I’m Lisa Denton! From quick dinners to family favorites, I’m here to help you bring joy to the table, one recipe at a time.

6-Ingredient Cherry Cake Recipe