Why Make This Recipe
Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is a delightful treat inspired by the famous cherry ice cream. It captures the sweet and tart flavor of cherries combined with a moist, fluffy cake. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to impress guests at a gathering or enjoy a sweet snack at home. It’s easy to make, and its bright cherry flavor is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
How to Make Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 3/4 C sugar
- 1/2 C whole milk
- 1/2 C oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 2 C flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 C of maraschino cherries (cut in half)
- 1 C powdered sugar
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp melted unsalted sweet cream butter
- 1/3 C maraschino cherry juice
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray your loaf pan with PAM spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the sugar, whole milk, oil, and egg until well combined.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and almond extract to the mixture, stirring gently.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the maraschino cherries carefully.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, melted butter, and cherry juice in a bowl until smooth.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
How to Serve Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake
Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or topped with fresh whipped cream. You can also serve it with a drizzle of extra cherry juice for added flavor.
How to Store Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake
To store your Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
Tips to Make Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake
- Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Take care not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, consider adding more maraschino cherries or some cherry extract.
Variation
You can customize this cake by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture. If you prefer, you can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries when they are in season.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, you can substitute maraschino cherries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced strawberries for a different twist.
2. How can I make this cake healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and substitute a portion of the sugar with a sugar substitute to reduce calories.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance and stored properly. It often tastes even better after sitting as the flavors meld.