Good morning!
I’m in a particularly wonderful mood for a few reasons this morning, a few of them being that it’s Saturday and sunny…but mainly because I just ate cake for breakfast.
You heard me! Cake for breakfast! It truly doesn’t get better than that. Especially on a Saturday.
This cherry vanilla breakfast cake is super easy to throw together and not overly sweet, which makes it great for breakfast (or snack, or dessert or…dinner).
Actually, it’s more like a giant vanilla bean muffin studded with ripe cherries, if I do say so myself. Perfect with some French press coffee or a foamy tea latte.
This was actually my first attempt at baking with fresh cherries. I’ve always been deterred from it in the past because I never wanted to spend an extra five minutes to remove cherry pits.
But guess what? This cake is totally worth the extra five minutes. In fact, I think baking this spurred a deep love for fresh cherries and I can foresee a lot more cherry baked goods coming in the future.
Well, as long as sweet cherries keep going on sale at Trader Joe’s, that is.
I also love how rustic this cake is. It reminds me of something I would get at a small French bakery. I sprinkled vanilla sugar over the top before baking and it totally took the whole thing over the top. I loved the sweet crunch!
This cake also reminds me of Jergen’s cherry vanilla body lotion….in a very good way. I need to pick up some more of that stuff next time I’m at Target!
This is best baked while in your pajamas…..so go for it!
Cherry Vanilla Breakfast Cake
yields 16 small slices
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 T baking powder
1 cup sweet cherries, pitted (you could also try blackberries or blueberries here)
1 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
4 T melted butter
1 vanilla bean, scraped of seeds (or 2 tsp vanilla extract)
vanilla sugar to sprinkle on top
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter and flour a nine inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Whisk together well then set aside.
Beat the eggs until foamy, add the vanilla bean seeds (or extract), buttermilk and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until combined. Batter will be thick; be careful not to over-mix.
Spread batter into baking pan and sprinkle cherries over top, pressing in gently. Sprinkle an additional tablespoon of sugar over the cake and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden and the sides begin to pull away from the pan.
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{ 106 comments… read them below or add one }
If I am not mistaking…you are in California…I woke up at 7 in NYC to work. Why are you up at 4?
I had the same reaction! I appreciate baking at any time of day, and that cake looks delicious, but since it’s 8:30 my time it must be 5:30 your time. Are you always up this early on a Saturday??
Also, how is it sunny at 4:00 am?
I would assume that Jenna writes these posts AHEAD of time and not just before she publishes them. Given the volume she has to write in a day and writing her book and her own life (!), she needs to prepare in advance (correct me if I’m wrong Jenna).
Plus, lots of times I can’t sleep in the middle of the night – read, then go back to bed
….now with that said, it is 11:00 a.m here and I just woke up. I used to feel reallllllly guilty about that, but now I realize I only felt guilty because everyone else seems to get up early. I’m up early the rest of the week and I see no reason to be so hard on myself anymore 
Guess I’m must lazy! Hah!
That’s what I was thinking. I totally sleep in…setting me up for lazy days. I can’t wait for spring and sun to arrive also. I take one short walk outside and a bit of sun would be so brightening I think!
LOL! I just figured she set it to postearly this morning for us on the other coast
)
Cake for breakfast seems like a wonderful way to start a Saturday!
I don’t care if you’re up at 4 am, this is a message that must be spread. I only wish I wasn’t already eating breakfast. Toast . . . lame.
Yum! This sounds delicious! I will be making this for your father very soon!
Cake for breakfast? Yes please. This looks great – can’t wait to try it.
Mmmmm I LOVE cherry vanilla!!
This looks great Jenna. I will make it tomorrow for my kids! I am sure they will be thanking you!!
I have been trying to find recipes for really really healthy muffins that I can make ahead and freeze, so I can grab them when I do not have time for a true breakfast (which happens often!) I make your whole wheat blue berry muffins a lot, but was wondering if you have any other healthy muffin recipes you would share.
Thanks!!
I hope to do more muffins in the future, but as of now all I have are those blueberry ones, the cinnamon toast muffins and the blackberry orange. I’d like to experiment with a bran one soon..maybe next week!
At 4:30 am your time, it cannot possibly be sunny yet! The recipe does look delicious, though.
I agree with Stephanie why are you awake? I know why I woke up early to run 8 miles then go cheer my friends at a race. I made the peanut butter no bake cookies and they rock!!!!! Now I’m going to have to buy cherries and bake this as well.
My guess is she is NOT awake at 4am on a Saturday! She probably wrote this post in advance and set it to be posted this morning (HOPEFULLY!)
Yes, I admit it. I’ve always been too lazy to pit a bunch of fresh cherries for any recipe. But this sounds absolutely fabulous and totally worth the pitting process. Can’t wait to try it!
After hearing my coworkers rave about a cherry pitter from bed, bath and beyond….yes, I bought one. I love it! Is actually really fun and works well.
This looks really delish and I’m thinking it would be great for Valentines Day or even a work potluck dessert dish!
Hey, Jenna. Hope I’m not bothering you with my questions, but I was wondering if you think I could use some type of non-dairy milk to make these? And would flax eggs work?
Thanks.
You’re not bothering me at all! This recipe really relies on the buttermilk…if it called for regular milk, I would say you could swap out, but since it’s buttermilk, I wouldn’t. This might be a hard one to veganize. You could try though! It might be awesome..let me know!
You can add 1 Tbs. lemon to non-dairy milk to create “buttermilk”. Just stir it in and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Cake for breakfast? Yes please!
Good Lord! What time did you wake up on this Saturday morning. You ARE in Cali, right?
Haha!! I wake up early, but not thaaaaat early. I wrote this pos late last night and set it on a timer to go up when all thought all of you east-coasteners would wake up and grab breakfast. I was hoping you would look at my blog before you ate and then make this instead!
well, those were my hopes anyway.
Currently in Cali it’s sunny and I’m eating cake for breakfast RiGHT NOW!
Oh God. Yes please. Just, yes please.
Yum! Combining two of my favorite loves – cherries and vanilla bean…although I’m still afraid of the actual vanilla beans for some reason. Maybe it’s the scary price tag and my habit of ruining things the first time I try to make them
Regardless…I’ll have to give this a shot at some point!
Looks like another winner – another excuse to eat cake!
this reminds me of a fabulous treat my Papa used to make for us…he was such an incredible cook! cake for breakfast is always in style
Ahhh, so this is what you were alluding to on FB by saying that cherry and vanilla was your new favorite flavor combo!
Well, I like this recipe as much as I like cherry and vanilla together! So a lot!
cake for breakfast? amen!
breakfast and cake? I’m okay with that
deeeelish! i’ve never baked with fresh cherries either but there’s a first time for everything, right?
Cake for breakfast is the best! And we’re so jealous of those gorgeous fresh cherries!
Cake for breakfast? Yes please! And I love those plates. Too cute.
I would like to know how at 7:16AM EST you knew at 4:00AM west coast time that it was sunny!!!
Who cares? It’s a cute post!
The weatherman?!
Mmm that breakfast cake looks delightful! What a wonderful way to start a Saturday morning. I hate pitting cherries too, but for a cake that looks as delicious as this one, it is totally worth it!
I don’t usually like cheeries in stuff, but this actually looks really good!! And cake for breakfast?! I’m sold
I love that jergens lotion! Ahh this looks amazing. (:
Perfect for me, vanilla beans just arrived in the mail!
Ohh! Amazing – I’ve been seeing cherries a lot…could this mean that it’s getting closer and closer to actual cherry seeeeeeeason! *eeee*! Jealous of your CA produce though. This sounds absolutely fantastic and seems like such a perfect breakfast for when you have house guests…no slaving over a griddle flipping pancakes or french toast!
Wow…I haven’t thought of Jergen’s Cherry Vanilla lotion in forever…good stuff!
You keep outdoing yourself! I want to make everything you post
I’m in a great mood too! !
Looks amazing! Love cake for breakfast especially pan (cakes).
If only I’d read this a little earlier, I’d have made breakfast cake for my birthday breakfast today. Oh well, there’s always tomorrow…
Would this work with cranberries?
And how many “servings” are you cakes typically….with no portion control, it would probably only turn into like…oh 3 or 4 for me
I wouldn’t make this with cranberries because cranberries aren’t all that sweet…they’re more tart. I would use either cherries, blackberries or blueberries. And regarding serving size, you can cut this into 16 small squares…would be great alongside scrambled eggs!
Yeah, I feel the same way about cranberries and prefer dried because of that. Hmm…may I request a recipe for frozen cranberries in the future though? I still have half a bag in my freezer and not sure how to “make it work” (I’m watching Project Runway right now on repeat and it’s fitting…)
I have an amaaaaaaazing recipe for (though not very healthy) cranberry oatmeal bars that I make every year in the fall/winter and they are to die for. If you want me to send you the recipe, let me know!
Sounds great! I’d love the recipe!
Baking N Books, honestly I’m not that tech-saavy to know how to send it to you on here, but if you email me I’d be happy to email you the recipe right back! It’s kristinauman@yahoo.com. Jenna, I’ll send it to you via your email link. Get excited, they are SO good!
This looks delicious Jenna. I love fresh cherries!
I can totally count on you to make me hungry! This looks soooo good. Now I’ve gotta go to the store in my pjs to get some cherries… which won’t be so bad b/c where I live going to the store in pajamas is de rigueur
You are the best food photographer ever, Jenna! Every dish you create looks simply delectable!
Oh my that looks amazing, perfect for brunch also.
Man, cherry and vanilla is awesome together no matter what.
I can’t wait for cherry season here. This is right up my street – I’m a secret pudding-for-breakfast eater if we’ve had people over for supper. It helps provide a boost of energy to face the washing up. This would be worth making especially and maybe to bribe the teens to help me clear up the kitchen,
Fresh cherries – yum! I always look forward to summer when they’re at peak!
Jenna,
I am actually thinking about baking this and taking it into work on Monday morning – we’ve got a stressful day and I think it would lighten the mood. Do you think it would do okay as cupcakes or a loaf? I’m envisioning mini-cupcakes with one cherry pushed into the top. Would you recommend any modifications if I try to do that? Maybe this is a dumb question, but I’m always afraid to deviate from recipes especially with regards to baking.
I think that sounds like a great idea! I would probably opt for a loaf instead of cupcakes because they really aren’t “cupcake-like” (not all that sweet…more like a muffin or bread). If you go for the loaf idea, make sure you butter and flour your loaf pan and then bake for 35-45 minutes, checking to see when the edges start to pull away. It’ll take longer in a loaf pan but that sounds like a good idea!
Yum, this blog felt like a scratch and sniff since I’m currently wearing Jergens cherry vanilla lotion! And I didn’t even have to scratch anything!
aagggghhhh!!! You’re killing me! I NEED those cherries.
Cake + breakfast in the same sentence? Where do I sign up for your fan club?
I’ve never baked with cherries before, but this looks like a good place to start
Those cherries look beautiful!! I remember picking cherries growing up in Nor Cal many years ago. So fun!
Breakfast cake!? Pure brilliance!
I could get used to this cake for breakfast.
The cake looks..amazing!
Cherries are such a beloved food but I never cook w/ them b/c I hate de-pitting them and i have de-pitter from Williams Sonoma…and it’s a very overpriced and under-performing gadget in my drawer. I need to get old school w/ a knife like you do.
What a beautiful, fresh, happy looking food! Great idea.
This looks delicious!
ps. I think I have the same fork! I love it.
This cake looks amazing. I am currently starving, so I guess I’m headed to the hotel coffee shop in hopes that they’ve got something that looks like this!
Happy Saturday, Jenna!
Wow, these look fabulous! I love using cherries when I bake. I had waffles for breakfast (with jam – it’s better than syrup) but I would have liked this for a change of pace.
Making and eating breakfast in pajamas is the best. I swear it makes the meal taste better!
Just made my vanilla sugar and came home with all the ingredients!
looks sweet!
Jenna, my mom fed my daughter CAKE
Jenna, my mom fed my daughter CAKE for breakfast. She stated it had eggs and milk so I should stop whining. Pancakes, cake or muffins. it is all good.
Sorry for posting twice, my fingers like to wander without permission.
Cake for breakfast . . . my kind of meal! Looks beautiful – we will definitely have to try this one!
That looks so good! I love cherries and love them even more in desserts!!!
Oh my word. Cherry and vanilla are my FAVORITE. YUM!
I just had bananas and whipped cream. Another of my favorites
Wow, this looks seriously divine! I definitely want to try this! Wishing I had it for a snack right now…
I don’t think I would be able to keep myself from eating all the cherries before they got in the batter! LOVE.
This looks delicious! I love how you’re able to make all these great baked goods with so simple ingredients. It gives me courage to try them myself
I have this amazing OXO cherry / olive pitter that makes the pitting job a snap (and even kinda fun)… necessary? no… awesome? yes!
Why stop at breakfast? Seems like a great snack, too.
And 1 Tbsp. white vinegar per cup skim milk also works well as a buttermilk replacement.
Anyone ever try a cherry pitter? I’ve seen them but never experienced them.
Cake for breakfast is probably the best idea I have ever heard. I am totally making this
I always thought your photos should be foodgawker, and I just saw this cake on there!
hehehe thank you!
Looks SO good! I’m going to try a heart-healthier version with whole wheat pastry flour, organic canola oil instead of butter and maybe one less egg yolk.
I’m with you – pitting cherries always put me off wanting to do anything with them except eating them whole! This cake might be worth it though
.
it is! And cherries are just so pretty…
This cake looks like a wonderful breakfast. I’ve never baked with cherries, but this has inspired me to use my cherry pitter!
Hi Jenna,
Okay, hate to bother you with this but your boyfriend is from Texas and does he know anyone in Houston who can recommend some places to eat. I’m going this coming weekend for the Houston marathon and I need some suggestions for places to eat the night before. I would really appreciate it.
I really don’t know!! I don’t think he’s all that familiar with Houston…more-so Austin!
Thanks. I know I am way more familiar with Austin than Houston. I didn’t think I was going to run the race because I was convinced that my friends and I wouldn’t get into the lottery. And then we did. Thanks and for the great recipes. I made the no bake cookies Friday and they were so good.
Sirenjess.
I don’t know if I’m too late with this reply, but I was in Houston this weekend for work and had the same concern. I went to YAO Restaurant twice because you can get a huge plate of steamed rice, veggies, protein, etc. any way you like it for a very affordable price. They have sushi and dozens of traditional offerings, but I stuck with the healthier options (when you travel, you look for a nice little oasis of veggies and great taste.)
The service was also top-notch. The menu and info is online at their website. Good luck!
Hi Jenna! As always the recipe looks amazing! Also, your photography has progressed even further! What are you doing differently to make your photos so amazing?
thank you!! I’ve started using a photographer’s light (lowel-pro lights available on Amazon). Other than that, nothing..just practice! I really don’t know what I’m doing though!
I prefer cake for breakfast than cake any other time. I don’t know why but I Think because it gets a little bit more compact after sitting over night. Nothing like coffee and cake!
This looks terrific. Cherries&vanilla = perfect combo!
Gotta love breakfast cakes! Talk about food coma…I would definitely crawl back into bed after this one.
I would eat cake for breakfast. Or any meal, really
What a nice change from all the blueberry and raspberry recipes out there! A very nice weekend treat that I will have to try soon.
oi, this looks scrumptious
I followed your recipe exactly. The batter was not thick that it would have to be
spread into the pan, but very thin and watery, so I added more flour to have the
right consistency.It did not come out well at all.I think you should re-check the recipe or ingredients.
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