Start by greasing and flouring a 13 x 9-inch baking pan. This will prevent the cake from sticking and ensure easy serving later. Set it aside as you prepare the batter.
Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This temperature is perfect for baking a cake that is fluffy and golden brown.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Make sure there are no lumps, as a smooth batter will yield a lighter cake.
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until well combined. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, setting the stage for a moist cake.
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a whisk, gently mix until just combined. You don’t need an electric mixer; a good old-fashioned whisk will do just fine!
Once the batter is combined, pour it into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Gently tap the pan against the counter to release any air bubbles trapped in the batter.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. This cooling step is essential to ensure that the cake holds its shape.
Once the cake is cool, poke the surface with the round end of a wooden spoon or a wooden dowel. This is where the magic happens—the holes will allow the cherry pie filling to seep into the cake, creating moist pockets of flavor.
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the cake, ensuring that it seeps into the holes. This step is critical for flavor—let the cherries work their way into the cake!
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the marshmallow fluff and the additional vanilla extract for a light and fluffy topping.
Top the cake with the whipped cream mixture, spreading it evenly over the cherries. Don’t be shy; make it nice and fluffy!
If you want to take it to the next level, drizzle with fudge sauce just before serving. This is an optional but delicious touch that adds extra sweetness and flair.
