Cherry Blossom Dream Cake Recipe: A Sweet Spring Sensation

Delicate cherry blossom dreams weave magic through this enchanting cake that captures springtime’s ethereal essence.

Soft pink petals dance across layers of tender crumb, whispering memories of japan’s most celebrated seasonal bloom.

Delightful hints of floral sweetness mingle with light almond undertones, creating a dessert that feels like poetry on a plate.

Baking becomes an art form when you craft this elegant confection, transforming simple ingredients into a celebration of natural beauty.

Each slice tells a story of delicate flavors and gentle textures that transport you to serene landscapes.

Pastry chefs and home bakers alike will find joy in mastering this sophisticated yet approachable recipe that promises to delight every palate.

Prepare to fall in love with a cake that is more than just a dessert, it’s a sensory experience waiting to unfold.

Storage Advice For Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully wrap entire unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before frosting.
• Cut individual cake slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Thaw individual portions at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds. For frozen slices, let thaw completely before serving at room temperature to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs On Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

• Are maraschino cherries essential for this cake?

Maraschino cherries provide unique flavor and color to the cake. They add sweetness and a distinctive cherry taste that makes this dessert special.

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries might change the moisture and sweetness of the cake. Maraschino cherries have a specific syrup and texture that works best in this recipe.

• What makes the cake's texture so soft?

The combination of buttermilk, oil, and butter creates a tender and moist cake crumb. Carefully mixing ingredients and not overmixing helps maintain the cake’s delicate texture.

Cherry Blossom Dream Cake Appeal

• Craft with Ease: This cherry blossom cake recipe offers simple steps that even novice bakers can master without stress, making it perfect for anyone wanting to try something new.
• Celebrate Special Moments: Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or any festive gathering where you want to impress guests with a stunning pink dessert that looks professionally made.
• Customize Your Delight: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adjusting food coloring intensity or adding extra cherry flavor, giving bakers creative freedom to make the cake uniquely theirs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic cake textures with delightful maraschino cherry flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love each sweet bite.

Ingredients For Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary base that provides structure for the cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and enhance flavor.

• Butter, Vegetable Oil: Create moisture and richness in the cake's texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake's caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.
• Almond Extract: Provides a subtle nutty flavor.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Introduces a hint of cherry flavor.
• Chopped Maraschino Cherries: Adds fruity bits throughout the cake.

• Butter: Creates a creamy and smooth base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Enhance the frosting's flavor profile.
• Food Coloring: Optional ingredient to achieve a pink color.
• Whole Maraschino Cherries: Used for garnishing the cake's top.

How To Make Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350F. Lightly coat two round cake pans with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Butter
• Oil
• Sugar

Whip until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in almond extract for a delicate flavor.

Step 4: Build Cake Batter

• Maraschino cherry juice
• Chopped cherries

Optional: Add a touch of pink food coloring for a soft blush tone.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.

Step 6: Cool Cake Layers

Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire racks and let cool completely.

Step 7: Whip Up Creamy Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on medium speed. Scrape bowl sides frequently.

Step 8: Finish Frosting

• Maraschino cherry juice
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Add food coloring if desired for a soft pink hue.

Step 9: Assemble Cake

Place first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting generously. Top with second layer. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting.

Step 10: Final Touch

Decorate top with whole maraschino cherries just before serving. Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Pro Tips For Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

• Maximize Cherry Flavor: Add extra maraschino cherry juice to intensify the fruity essence throughout the cake batter and frosting.
• Prevent Cherry Sinking: Lightly dust chopped cherries with flour before mixing into the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Achieve Vibrant Color: Use gel food coloring for a more concentrated and even pink hue without altering the cake's moisture content.
• Create Smooth Frosting: Ensure butter is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps, resulting in a silky, spreadable consistency.
• Store Smart: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness, bringing to room temperature before serving.

Variations For Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Dream: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk or coconut milk, use vegan butter alternatives, and replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Bliss: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content, and incorporate Greek yogurt for added moisture and protein.
• Vegan Cherry Celebration: Utilize aquafaba instead of eggs, coconut cream for frosting, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine to create a completely plant-based cake experience.

Pairing Suggestions For Cherry Blossom Dream Cake

• Pair with Sparkling Rosé: Complement the cake's delicate cherry flavor with a light, bubbly rosé wine that echoes the cake's sweet and floral notes.
• Match with Almond Liqueur: Enhance the almond extract's subtle undertones by serving a small glass of amaretto, creating a harmonious flavor connection.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a creamy, cold contrast to the soft cake texture, allowing the cherry and almond flavors to shine through with a classic vanilla backdrop.
• Accompany with Fresh Berries: Offer a small plate of fresh raspberries or strawberries to provide a tart, fresh element that balances the cake's sweetness and adds a vibrant color pop.

Cherry Blossom Dream Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet dreams bloom in this delicate cherry blossom dream cake, where Japanese-inspired elegance meets delightful pastry artistry. Gentle pink hues and subtle floral notes invite you to savor a slice of pure culinary enchantment.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
• 3 large eggs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (for cake)

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (for frosting)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt

Optional Ingredients:

• Pink or red food coloring

Garnish:

• Whole maraschino cherries with stems

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Instructions

1. Prepare oven to 350F (175C) and ready two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and dusting with flour.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients including flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter, oil, and sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough mixing after each addition. Blend in almond extract.
4. Gradually combine dry ingredients and buttermilk into the creamed mixture, alternating and finishing with dry ingredients. Fold in maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries. Optional: Add food coloring for desired pink hue.
5. Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted centrally emerges clean.
6. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks for complete cooling.
7. For frosting, beat butter until smooth and creamy in a large bowl. Progressively add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly and scraping bowl edges.
8. Introduce maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and salt to frosting mixture. Blend until uniform. Adjust color with food coloring if desired.
9. Once cooled, position first cake layer on serving plate. Spread frosting generously across the layer.
10. Place second cake layer atop the first and frost entire cake surface, covering top and sides completely.
11. Decorate cake top with whole maraschino cherries just before serving.
12. Serve at room temperature to maximize flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter mixing and even cake texture.
• Carefully fold cherries into batter to prevent sinking and maintain distribution throughout the cake.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender and light, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the cake’s delicate structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 52 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg