Idaho Craft Beer Cherry Bundt Cake
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 45 - 50 Minutes
This recipe features a surprising twist that celebrates Idaho’s diverse agricultural community by incorporating locally brewed craft beer, which adds a unique depth to a classic dessert. It’s a deliciously sweet way to support Idaho’s beer producers and enjoy the flavors of our state’s bounty. Even better, it’s as versatile as it is delicious — just substitute any seasonal fruits for the cherries.
Serving Suggestion: Top slices of the cake with the optional Lager Glaze and/or Lager Cherry Compote. Just as delicious when served with a dollop of whipped cream.
Categorized: Desserts
Ingredients
Nonstick baking spray, for preparing the pan
1 box (15 oz) yellow cake mix
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 can (12 oz) Idaho craft lager beer (from an Idaho Craft Brewer)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1 cup fresh Idaho cherries, pitted and chopped (Optional: Reserve an additional 1 cup pitted cherries for the fruit compote)
Whipped cream for serving (optional)
Featured Idaho Produce
Steps
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 10 cup plain bundt pan with nonstick baking spray.
In a large bowl, whisk together the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and 1 cup of Idaho craft lager beer until smooth and well combined, about 30 seconds. Fold in 1 cup of the chopped, fresh Idaho cherries into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a rubber spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the beer syrup. In a heatproof glass bowl, microwave 2 tablespoons of beer until hot, about 30 seconds. Stir in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar until dissolved.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack. Using a toothpick, poke several holes over the cake, then drizzle the beer syrup evenly over the cake until it soaks in. Let the cake cool completely.
Optional Glaze: In a bowl, stir together the confectioners’ sugar and 2 tablespoons of beer until smooth. Add more beer, 1 teaspoon at a time, if needed, to form a thick glaze. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it stand until set, about 10 minutes.
Optional Lager & Cherry Compote: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining beer and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with the chopped cherries. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries are warmed through and the liquid is reduced to a thick syrup, about 10 minutes. Transfer the cherries to a bowl and let them cool completely.
