Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake

INTRODUCTION

Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the wonderful flavors of cherries and cake into a moist, sweet loaf. This recipe is inspired by the popular Cherry Garcia ice cream, but instead of being frozen, it gives you a tasty baked treat. The cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, family gathering, or just a regular afternoon snack. You will love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake for many reasons. First, it is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will enjoy. Second, the combination of cherries and almond flavor makes this cake special and unique. Each bite is bursting with sweetness and fruity goodness. Additionally, the glaze adds a perfect finishing touch, making it even more appealing. Whether you are baking for friends or family, this cake will impress everyone.

HOW TO MAKE Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake

Making Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is straightforward. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious cake ready to share. The process involves mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately, combining everything, and then baking. Let’s dive into each step to ensure your cake turns out perfect.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Before you start, gather the necessary tools. You will need:

• A loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or mixing spoon
• A spatula
• An oven (for baking)

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 3/4 C sugar
• 1/2 C whole milk
• 1/2 C oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 C flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 C of maraschino cherries (cut in half)
• 1 C powdered sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted sweet cream butter
• 1/3 C maraschino cherry juice

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Spray your loaf pan with Pam spray and set it aside.

3. Directions for the cake:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, whole milk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk these ingredients together until everything is mixed well.
   • In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until it is just combined but do not overmix.
   • Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before transferring the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Directions for the glaze:

   • In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, almond extract, vanilla extract, melted butter, and cherry juice. Stir until smooth and well combined.
   • Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of the loaf.

HOW TO SERVE Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake

Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake can be served in various ways. Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The soft, moist cake pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the ice cream. For added flair, sprinkle some extra cherry halves on top of each slice or add a drizzle of leftover glaze.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake

To store your Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake, wrap it in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It can stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it at room temperature.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For serving, consider pairing your Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. You can also add fresh cherries or whipped cream to make it more special. If you want to surprise your guests, serve the cake with a cherry compote on the side, or even sprinkle some chopped nuts for added crunch.

VARIATIONS

While the classic Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is delightful on its own, you can easily customize it. Here are a few ideas for variations:

• Chocolate Chip Addition: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a double dessert treat.
• Coconut Twist: Stir in some shredded coconut to add texture and a tropical flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Mix in some lemon zest for a fresh and citrusy kick.
• Nutty Flavor: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
   Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.

2. How can I make the cake gluten-free?
   Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the other ingredients you use are gluten-free as well.

3. What if I don’t have almond extract?
   You can skip almond extract or replace it with more vanilla extract. It will still taste delicious!

4. Can I make mini loaf cakes?
   Yes! You can divide the batter into mini loaf pans. Adjust the baking time to around 25-30 minutes.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake

If you want to make Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake ahead of time, you can do so easily. Prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you are ready to bake, just pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can completely bake the cake a day or two in advance and store it wrapped until you are ready to glaze and serve it. Enjoy your tasty treat!

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