Name: German Cherry Cake: A Delicious & Authentic Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: For the Cake:; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted; For the Streusel Topping:; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces; Optional Glaze:; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1-2 teaspoons milk

German Cherry Cake: A Delicious & Authentic Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This German Cherry Cake is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of juicy cherries, buttery cake, and crunchy streusel topping creates a dessert that is both comforting and delicious. It’s a versatile cake that can be served at any time of the year—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy a homemade cake without the hassle.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Optional glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk

Directions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Add the cherries: Gently fold in the cherries (toss them with a little flour if using frozen to prevent them from sinking). Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cake batter.
Bake the cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the streusel is golden brown.
Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional glaze: For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 12-16 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Calories: ~180 per serving (without glaze)

Variations

Add a twist to the fruit: Try using other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or apples in place of cherries for a different flavor.
Make it spicier: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
Lighter version: Use low-fat yogurt or a dairy-free alternative in place of milk for a lighter version of this cake.
More streusel: For a crunchier topping, double the streusel ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly fine. Just toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter to prevent them from sinking.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can use brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor, or substitute with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or a sugar substitute.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. The streusel should be golden and crisp.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well for a few days and can even be made the day before. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.

Conclusion

This German Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, with its sweet and fruity flavor, buttery cake, and crunchy streusel topping. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it’s a perfect treat for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just looking for a comforting dessert, this cake is sure to become a favorite!