Cherry Kefir Cake Recipe with Vanilla

Name: Cherry Kefir Cake Recipe with Vanilla
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 300 ml plain kefir, room temperature; 3 whole large eggs; 200 g granulated sugar; 300 g all-purpose flour; 10 g baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla sugar or vanilla extract; 1 pinch fine salt; 350 g pitted cherries, fresh or thawed and drained; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, for greasing pan; 1 tbsp flour, for dusting cherries

A soft kefir cake filled with tart cherries and vanilla.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hrMakes 8 slices

Jump to Recipe

This tender cherry cake uses kefir to make a soft batter dotted with fresh or frozen cherries. Drain thawed fruit well, fold it in gently and bake until a skewer comes out clean from the centre. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 23 cm round cake pan. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain well. Toss cherries with 1 tablespoon flour. Beat eggs and sugar until pale. Whisk in kefir and vanilla. In another bowl combine flour, baking powder and salt; fold into wet ingredients just until smooth. Fold cherries gently through the batter. Pour into prepared pan and level the top. Bake 35 to 40 minutes until golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes before unmoulding.

How to tell when it is ready

Cook until tender and evenly heated as described.

Tips

Bring kefir and eggs toward room temperature.
Drain thawed cherries thoroughly.
Toss fruit lightly in flour to reduce sinking.
Fold batter only until combined.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid gradually.
If browning too quickly, lower the heat.

Substitutions

Choose compatible alternatives for dietary needs.
Use a neutral cooking oil if needed.

Variations

Adjust seasonings to taste.
Add a suitable seasonal ingredient.

Serving suggestions

Dust with powdered sugar.
Serve with plain yogurt or whipped cream.
Pair with tea or coffee.
Add fresh cherries when in season.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish shortly before serving.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Food safety

Contains wheat, milk and egg. Keep batter refrigerated if not baking promptly.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prepare this ahead?

Prepare components ahead and refrigerate perishable ingredients; finish close to serving.

How should I store cherry kefir cake?

Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 3 days.

Serve promptly and refrigerate leftovers safely.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Cherry Kefir Cake Recipe with Vanilla