Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

Moist and delightful, this Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, a family gathering, or just a sweet treat at home. The combination of cherry flavors and fluffy cake topped with almond buttercream frosting makes it irresistible. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up this cake, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can bake this cherry sheet cake.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of cherry and almond creates a delectable taste that will impress your guests.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to festive celebrations, this cake fits right in.
• Generous Servings: The recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.
• Beautiful Presentation: Topped with homemade almond buttercream frosting, this cake looks as good as it tastes!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking the Cherry Sheet Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Blender or food processor
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without mess.
• Blender or food processor: Essential for pureeing cherries smoothly for even flavor distribution.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Moist Cherry Sheet Cake is topped with a homemade almond buttercream frosting. It is easy and SO delicious!!

For the Cake

• 1 package white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 oz cherry Jell-O
• 10-12 oz maraschino cherries (drained)

For the Frosting

• 1/4 cup butter (softened)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk

How to Make Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherries

Begin by adding your maraschino cherries to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until well blended. Add the cherry Jell-O mix along with the pureed cherries. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove from oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While your cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, cream together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, almond extract, and milk; blend well until creamy.

Step 7: Frost and Serve

Once cooled, spread the almond buttercream over the top of your cherry sheet cake. Slice into squares and enjoy!

How to Serve Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

Serving Cherry Sheet Cake can elevate any gathering, making it a delightful centerpiece for celebrations or casual get-togethers. Here are some creative ways to present your delicious cake.

Classic Presentation

• Serve slices on simple white plates for an elegant look that highlights the vibrant color of the cherries.

A La Mode

• Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream for a creamy contrast to the moist cake.

Garnished with Fresh Cherries

• Add fresh cherries on top of each piece for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

With Whipped Cream

• Accompany each slice with a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the sweetness and add a light texture.

Festive Platter

• Arrange slices on a decorative platter, garnished with mint leaves, to make an eye-catching dessert display.

How to Perfect Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

To make sure your Cherry Sheet Cake stands out, consider these tips for perfection.

• Use fresh cherries: Fresh cherries can enhance the flavor compared to canned ones, adding more natural sweetness and texture.
• Don’t overmix batter: Mix ingredients until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your cake to cool fully to prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
• Adjust frosting consistency: If frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Sheet Cake can create a balanced meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   This classic pairing brings together warm cake and cold ice cream for an irresistible combination.

2. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits complements the sweet flavors of cherry beautifully.

3. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, which can balance the sweetness of the cake.

4. Nutty Granola
   A bowl of crunchy granola adds texture and pairs well with the soft cake while providing added nutrition.

5. Coffee or Tea
   Serve hot beverages like coffee or herbal tea alongside dessert to enhance flavors and offer guests warmth.

6. Chocolate Mousse
   The rich, creamy texture of chocolate mousse contrasts nicely with cherry cake, creating a decadent dessert experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Cherry Sheet Cake can be simple and fun, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature eggs and butter for better results.
• Overmixing the batter – Overmixing can create a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring accurately – Inaccurate measurements can affect the cake’s texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Skipping the cooling time – Frosting a warm cake can cause the frosting to melt. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it.
• Ignoring the oven temperature – Every oven is different. Always check that your oven is calibrated correctly for even baking.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cherry Sheet Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking regularly.
• Stovetop – Place slices on a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe that might help you during preparation.

What makes this Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe moist?

The combination of cherry Jell-O and maraschino cherries adds moisture and flavor, creating a deliciously moist cake.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries; however, you will need to adjust the sweetness by adding sugar or other sweeteners as fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino cherries.

How do I customize my Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe?

You can add nuts like almonds or walnuts, switch to different flavored extracts, or incorporate other fruits like blueberries for variety.

What’s the best way to store leftovers from my Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Sheet Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. With its moist texture and sweet almond frosting, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!