If you are searching for a dessert that combines charm, flavor, and a touch of whimsy, this Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe is your perfect match. This cake brings together moist, tender cake infused with luscious cherry pie filling and a smooth, dreamy buttercream frosting that will melt in your mouth. Whether you are making it for a loved one or treating yourself to something sweet, this cake’s unique heart shape and delightful cherry essence make it an unforgettable centerpiece for any occasion. The Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt experience that invites warmth and joy with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of cherry cake on a white plate with a silver fork in front. The slice has three main layers: the bottom layer is light pink cake with visible small berry pieces, the middle layer is a thin white creamy layer, and the top layer is covered in bright red cherry topping with whole cherries and shiny red glaze. There is a white whipped cream decoration on the edge of the slice. In the background, a white ramekin filled with cherries and another slice of the same cake on a white plate are visible on a white marbled surface with a red and white checkered cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful cake. Each component plays an essential role in creating a balanced texture, flavor, and that beautiful red blush that makes this cake so eye-catching.

White cake mix: Provides a light and fluffy base perfect for absorbing the fruity cherry flavors.
Large eggs (2): Help bind the cake together and add richness.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake rises nicely for a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Adds warmth and depth to the cake and frosting.
Almond extract (2 teaspoons total): Enhances the cherry flavor with a nutty, aromatic note.
Cherry pie filling (1 21 oz can, plus extra for garnish): Delivers bursts of sweet cherry goodness throughout the cake.
Butter (1 cup, softened): Creates a creamy base for the frosting and adds richness.
Powdered sugar (4 cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to a silky texture.
Milk (2-4 tablespoons): Helps adjust the consistency of the frosting for easy spreading.
Food coloring (optional): Adds a fun pop of color to match your celebration theme.

How to Make Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lightly greasing your heart-shaped cake pan to ensure your cake comes out flawlessly. Mixing the dry cake mix with eggs, baking powder, vanilla, almond extracts, and half the can of cherry pie filling on medium speed creates a moist yet thick batter. To keep those cherry chunks intact and truly highlight the fruit’s freshness, fold the remaining pie filling in by hand. This step ensures your cake bursts with juicy cherries in every bite.

Step 2: Baking the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and level it out with a spatula for even cooking. Bake for approximately 65 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This longer baking time is crucial for the heart-shaped pan which is deeper, allowing the inside to fully cook through while maintaining that moist crumb we love.

Step 3: Cooling and Removing from Pan

Once baked, cool your cake completely inside the pan to allow it to set and prevent breakage. After cooling, invert the cake gently onto a serving platter so the smooth heart shape is perfectly displayed, ready for frosting and decoration.

Step 4: Making the Buttercream Frosting

Use an electric mixer to cream softened butter with vanilla and almond extracts until fluffy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of milk and add more, one tablespoon at a time, if the frosting is too stiff. The goal is a creamy, spreadable texture that will make frosting the cake a breeze.

Step 5: Coloring and Frosting the Cake

If you want to add a festive touch, tint a portion of your frosting with food coloring like soft pink or vibrant red before spreading the white buttercream evenly over all sides of the cake. This color contrast will make your cake especially eye-catching and inviting.

Step 6: Adding the Cherry Topping and Final Decorations

For an extra burst of cherry flavor and an elegant finish, evenly spoon half a can of cherry pie filling onto the top of the cake but keep it about one inch away from the edges to avoid dripping. You can also swap this topping for mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for variety. Pipe the colored frosting around the cherry topping to frame it beautifully and add a professional touch.

How to Serve Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe

Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The simple addition of cherry pie filling on top creates a stunning centerpiece, but feel free to add fresh cherries for extra freshness or a dusting of powdered sugar for a soft elegance. Whipped cream is also a light and complementary option to balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

This cherry cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to round out every bite with a comforting sip.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing your heart-shaped masterpiece on a cake stand adorned with fresh cherries or edible flowers to enhance its romantic appeal. For special occasions, add a drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce over the top for extra flair. Slice carefully and arrange on plates with a mint leaf garnish for an elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its moisture and keeps the frosting fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake either before or after frosting. Wrap the cake layers individually in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then frost as directed. A frosted cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just allow extra time for thawing at room temperature.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer it slightly warm, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power, being careful not to melt the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be chopped and folded into the batter, but keep in mind that the texture and moisture content will change, so the cake may be slightly less moist than when using pie filling.

What type of cake mix works best for this recipe?

A white cake mix is preferred for its lightness and color, which complements the bright red cherries beautifully. However, yellow or almond-flavored cake mixes can be fun alternatives if you want a different twist.

How do I prevent the cherry filling from sinking to the bottom?

Folding the cherry pie filling gently into the batter and ensuring the batter is thick helps keep the cherries distributed evenly. Also, slightly thickening the batter by adding a bit more cake mix can provide extra support for the filling.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the white cake mix with a gluten-free alternative and confirming that the cherry pie filling and other ingredients are gluten-free, you can create a delicious gluten-free version of this Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe.

Is there a way to make the frosting dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free frosting, swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and use a dairy-free powdered sugar. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious and spreadable.

Final Thoughts

This Heart Shaped Cherry Cake Recipe is a delightful way to infuse any celebration with love and sweetness. Its rich cherry flavor, tender crumb, and smooth buttercream make it a cake that everyone will adore. Whether you make it for a special someone or simply to brighten your day, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your baking repertoire. So go ahead, bake this charming cake, and share the joy one slice at a time!