If you have a soft spot for vibrant, luscious desserts that marry cherry and chocolate in a heavenly dance, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe. Bursting with rich vanilla cake layers studded with sweet maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, and crowned with a buttery cherry-infused frosting sprinkled with mini chocolate chips and chocolate shavings, this cake is a crowd-pleaser through and through. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat-yourself moment, the Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe delivers a flavor explosion that feels like a warm hug from your favorite ice cream flavor, but in cake form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe is delightfully straightforward, relying on ingredients that combine to create irresistible flavor, texture, and color. Each item here is essential—from the light and fluffy French vanilla cake base to the luscious cherry and chocolate elements that give it character and whimsy.
- French vanilla cake mix (2 boxes): The foundation, ensuring a tender and moist crumb with a creamy vanilla flavor.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Adds richness and moisture for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup + 2 cups + 3 cups): You’ll need this for the cake and the frosting layers, providing creaminess and structure.
- Large eggs (6): Help bind and lift the cake for perfect rise and stability.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 3 teaspoons): Enhances every element with deep, aromatic sweetness.
- Chopped Maraschino cherries (3 cups): Bring bursts of color, sweetness, and classic cherry flavor within the cake layers.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups): Provide pockets of rich chocolate that contrast beautifully with the cherries.
- Powdered sugar (4 cups + 6 cups): The sweet base for a dreamy frosting that’s smooth and luscious.
- Cherry extract (3 teaspoons): Amplifies the cherry flavor to deliciously intense levels in the frosting.
- Red gel food coloring (3–6 drops): Gives the frosting a gorgeous, inviting cherry-red hue.
- Heavy whipping cream (3–6 tablespoons): Adjusts frosting consistency, making it rich yet spreadable.
- Mini chocolate chips (1 cup): Perfect for a crunchy, chocolatey garnish on top.
- Chocolate shaving sprinkles: Add elegant texture and a hint of bittersweet contrast on the frosting.
- Maraschino cherries with stems (1/2 cup): The ultimate decorative touch that signals cherry goodness in every bite.
How to Make Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven and preparing your pans—two or three 9-inch round cake pans work best. In a large bowl, combine the French vanilla cake mixes, whole milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the ingredients together until the batter is fluffy and smooth, making sure there are no lumps. Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing these lovely jewels of flavor evenly throughout the batter. This step is crucial because it ensures that every slice will have delicious bursts of cherry and chocolate.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with the most delightful aroma of vanilla, cherries, and chocolate. Once baked, let the cakes cool completely on wire racks before moving on to the next step—the frosting.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cherry-Infused Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, get started on the frosting that makes this Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe shine. Beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until creamy and light. Add cherry extract and red gel food coloring to achieve that perfect cherry-red shade and a burst of cherry flavor. Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream until the frosting is smooth and spreadable—adjust the amount for your preferred consistency. This frosting not only adds sweetness but a stunning visual contrast and that signature Cherry Garcia flair everyone adores.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Place one cake layer on your serving platter, then generously spread a portion of the cherry frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, smoothing the frosting over the sides and top with care. Don’t worry about perfection—hand-crafted cakes have the best charm. After the entire cake is frosted, sprinkle mini chocolate chips and chocolate shaving sprinkles over the top for texture and chocolatey goodness. Finish by artfully placing the maraschino cherries with stems as a decorative crown. Now it’s ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe
Garnishes
The luscious cherry and chocolate theme continues in how you garnish the cake. Fresh maraschino cherries with stems add that perfect pop of color and an inviting elegance. Sprinkle extra mini chocolate chips or a few chocolate shavings to balance the look and provide texture. If you want an extra wow factor for guests, a delicate drizzle of melted dark chocolate can be added to the top for a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with simple accompaniments that enhance the flavors without overpowering. Think light whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that echoes the vanilla undertones in the cake. Fresh berries, especially cherries or raspberries, make for a refreshing contrast, while a cup of rich coffee or black tea rounds out the experience by cutting through the sweetness just right.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe as a layered trifle in clear glass bowls, showcasing the vibrant red frosting, cherries, and chocolate chips. Another idea is to cut it into small, elegant square bites and place them on decorative skewers with a single cherry on top for an easy-to-eat party treat. No matter how you present it, this cake’s eye-catching colors and irresistible flavors will always steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once you’ve enjoyed a slice (or two), wrap the remaining Cherry Garcia Cake tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Properly stored, it will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for prepping ahead of celebrations or enjoying leftovers without any compromise on taste or texture.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some to savor later, this cake freezes very well. Separate the layers with parchment paper and wrap each layer thoroughly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the layers overnight in the refrigerator and reassemble before serving for the best experience.
Reheating
This is a cake best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, especially because of its frosting and cherry components. If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the frosting and alter texture. The subtle warmth will enhance the flavors without compromising the cake’s charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries in the Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe?
Fresh cherries can be used, but maraschino cherries provide a sweeter, more vibrant flavor and a softer texture that complements the cake beautifully. If using fresh cherries, consider macerating them with sugar to achieve a similar effect.
Is this Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe suitable for freezing after frosting?
It’s best to freeze the cake layers unfrosted to maintain texture and freshness. Once thawed, assemble and frost the cake for a fresher appearance and taste.
Can I make the frosting without cherry extract?
Yes, but the cherry extract is key to that signature flavor. Without it, you might consider adding a bit more vanilla or a touch of almond extract for an interesting twist, though it won’t be the classic Cherry Garcia flavor.
How do I prevent the cherries from sinking during baking?
Lightly toss the chopped maraschino cherries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake rather than sinking to the bottom.
What is the best way to achieve the perfect red color in the frosting?
Use gel food coloring, starting with a few drops and gradually adding more until you reach the desired cherry-red hue. Gel colors blend better and don’t thin out the frosting like liquid colors can.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe feels like passing along a slice of pure joy. It’s a cake that manages to be both nostalgic and fresh, combining classic flavors with a vibrant presence that lights up any celebration or comforting get-together. I truly can’t wait for you to try making it yourself—you’ll find it’s as fun to bake as it is to eat. So go ahead, bring some cherry-chocolate magic into your kitchen today!
Print
Cherry Garcia Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this delightful Cherry Garcia Cake, a luscious dessert inspired by the famous ice cream flavor. It features moist French vanilla cake layers studded with chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips, layered and frosted with a rich cherry-infused buttercream. Topped with mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, and whole maraschino cherries, this cake is perfect for celebrations and cherry lovers alike.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 boxes French vanilla cake mix
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped Maraschino cherries
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons cherry extract
- 3–6 drops red gel food coloring
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- 3 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3–6 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Decorations
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate shaving sprinkles
- 1/2 cup Maraschino cherries with stems
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the French vanilla cake mix, whole milk, softened unsalted butter, eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the chopped Maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool completely on wire racks.
- Make the Cherry Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, cherry extract, and red gel food coloring drops. Mix until light and fluffy, adjusting coloring as desired.
- Make the Vanilla Buttercream: In another bowl, beat the sweet cream butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy whipping cream. Continue to beat until creamy and spreadable. Adjust consistency with more cream or sugar as needed.
- Assemble the Cake: Slice each cake layer horizontally if desired for more layers. Spread a layer of cherry buttercream between cake layers, then a layer of vanilla buttercream. Continue alternating until all layers are stacked. Use the remaining vanilla buttercream to frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- Decorate the Cake: Garnish the frosted cake with mini chocolate chips, sprinkle with chocolate shaving sprinkles, and top with whole Maraschino cherries with stems. Chill the cake briefly to set the frosting before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and texture.
- Adjust the amount of red gel food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of cherry pink or red in the frosting.
- Chilling the cake for 30 minutes after frosting helps the buttercream set for cleaner slicing.
- Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
