Simple Cherry Cake – A Deliciously Easy Summer Favorite

There’s something about cherry season that flips a switch in me—I’m back in my childhood kitchen, barefoot on cool tile, fingers stained red from sneaking too many cherries while Mom stirred the batter. This simple cherry cake brings that memory to life—light, fluffy, and filled with real summer flavor. If you’ve been craving an easy, no-fuss bake that feels homemade and tastes like sunshine, this simple cherry cake is your new go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cake

This simple cherry cake is the ultimate summer treat—light, moist, and studded with juicy fresh cherries. What makes this simple cherry cake extra special? Greek yogurt gives it an airy texture that doesn’t weigh you down, and there’s no need for frosting or fuss. It’s the kind of bake that works anytime—breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert (especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream). Bonus: it’s made from scratch with pantry basics and comes together in just over an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh, Seasonal Cherries

Use dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved. Skip frozen or canned cherries—frozen ones release too much moisture, and canned versions tend to go mushy and metallic. A cherry pitter is your best friend here if you’re working with a big batch.

Pantry & Dairy Staples

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free blend like King Arthur)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 oz (½ stick) salted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat for best results)

How to Make Simple Cherry Cake (Step-by-Step)

Prep and Mix the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×3-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment.

Sift the flour, baking powder, and baking soda into a bowl.

In another bowl, cream butter and sugar for 2–3 minutes until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the Greek yogurt and extract.

Slowly mix in the dry ingredients on low speed—just until everything is blended. Don’t overmix! That’s key for keeping the texture light and airy.

Add and Layer the Cherries

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Gently press in half the cherries. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing it out, and dot the surface with the rest of the cherries. Optional but beautiful: press in a few extra cherries halfway through baking to create a juicy, jammy top.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 45–60 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 40 minutes before releasing the springform.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t skimp on the cherry pitting—whole cherries burst and ruin the structure.
• Use Greek yogurt for moisture and tang—it’s lighter than butter but still rich.
• Measure your flour correctly: spoon and level it, or use a scale. Too much and your cake will get dense.
• A springform pan gives the best release and makes for a beautiful presentation.
• Want a rustic twist? A well-seasoned 10” cast iron skillet works beautifully too.

Easy Variations to Try

• Swap cherries for sliced peaches, nectarines, plums, or apricots
• Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a nuttier flavor
• It works with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—tested and approved
• Make it dairy-free with plant-based butter and yogurt

If you love fruit-forward bakes, don’t miss this sweet and soft cherry bread with almond glaze or the nostalgic classic cherry clafoutis dessert.

How to Serve It

This cherry cake is dreamy all on its own—but here’s how we love it most:

• Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Chilled, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
• Lightly dusted with powdered sugar for a simple finish

Perfect for summer brunches, weekend gatherings, or that mid-afternoon “just because” slice.

Storing & Freezing Tips

• Room temp: Loosely covered, it stays fresh for 24 hours
• Fridge: Store airtight for up to 4 days
• Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• To reheat: A quick 15 seconds in the microwave brings it right back to life

FAQs

If cherry season has your kitchen buzzing, you’ll also love this easy cherry pie bars recipe—all the flavor of pie, minus the hassle.

Want even more cozy, fruit-forward inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest and Facebook for daily comfort food cravings.

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