Description
This Cherry Garcia Loaf Cake is a soft and moist vanilla-almond loaf filled with sweet maraschino cherries and topped with a vibrant cherry glaze. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and perfect for dessert, brunch, or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- Cake:
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups maraschino cherries, halved
- Cherry Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine sugar, milk, oil, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the halved maraschino cherries with a rubber spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze by mixing all glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Replace almond extract with more vanilla for a milder flavor.
- Substitute part of the oil with applesauce for a lighter version.
- Add mini chocolate chips for a true Cherry Garcia twist.
- Freeze the loaf without glaze and add glaze after thawing for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
