Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with flavor and charm? This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate treat for any celebration or sweet craving. With fluffy vanilla cake layers, a juicy cherry filling, and silky cherry-infused cream cheese frosting, it’s a heavenly combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. Whether you’re after quick breakfast indulgence, easy dinner party desserts, or creative food ideas for any occasion, this easy recipe will steal the spotlight. Each slice is a beautiful swirl of color and flavor—irresistible, elegant, and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries and cream cheese creates a delightful taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a sweet treat at home.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps ensure that even novice bakers can create this stunning cake.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layers of cake and frosting make it visually appealing for any gathering.
• Customizable: You can adjust the filling and frosting flavors to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 3 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool helps achieve a light and fluffy batter quickly, making mixing effortless.
• Parchment paper: Lining the cake pans ensures easy removal of the cakes without sticking.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)

For the Cherry Filling

• 2 cups cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned), pitted and chopped

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup cherry juice or puréed cherries (optional for flavor and color)

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This step is essential for ensuring your cakes come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt

This mixture will provide the structure for your cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together:
1. Unsalted butter
2. Granulated sugar

Beat until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes). This creates an airy base for your batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time while beating well after each addition. Then mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the batter:
1. Start with flour mixture
2. Follow with milk
3. End with flour

Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Divide Batter and Bake

Evenly divide the batter between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Cool cakes in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling is crucial before frosting.

Step 8: Prepare Cherry Filling

For cherry filling:
– Simmer chopped cherries with 1–2 tbsp sugar until slightly thickened. Optionally add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
– Let it cool completely before using.

Step 9: Make Frosting

For frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add softened butter; beat until fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
4. If desired, mix in cherry juice or purée for extra flavor.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Layer your cooled cakes by spreading frosting between each layer along with cherry filling:
1. Frost top and sides with remaining frosting.
2. Garnish with cherries if desired for an extra touch.

Now you have created a stunning Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present this stunning dessert that will impress your guests and enhance their experience.

For a Festive Occasion

• Decorative Plating: Use a cake stand to showcase the layers. Add fresh cherries on top for a pop of color.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent treat.

As Part of a Dessert Buffet

• Mini Slices: Cut the cake into smaller pieces to allow guests to sample different desserts.
• Themed Decor: Match the cake presentation with seasonal decorations, like edible flowers or themed tablecloths.

For Casual Gatherings

• Casual Serving: Simply cut into generous slices and serve on rustic wooden boards for a homey feel.
• Coffee Pairing: Offer coffee or tea alongside the cake to complement its sweet flavors.

How to Perfect Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting involves paying attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Bold Ingredients: Use fresh or high-quality cherries for the best flavor in both the filling and frosting.
• Bold Mixing Technique: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; this aerates the batter for a better texture.
• Bold Baking Time: Check cakes at 22 minutes; overbaking can lead to dry layers, while underbaking could cause collapse.
• Bold Cooling Method: Let cakes cool in pans briefly before transferring them to wire racks, preventing sogginess from steam.
• Bold Assembly Approach: Spread frosting evenly between layers, ensuring no cherry filling oozes out during slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Pairing side dishes with your Cherry Layer Cake adds variety and enhances the meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cake while providing freshness.
2. Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and airy, this dairy-free option pairs well, adding a tropical twist.
3. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate makes an elegant pairing, balancing the tartness of cherries beautifully.
4. Vanilla Bean Pudding: This creamy dessert is smooth and comforting, creating a delightful contrast with the cake’s texture.
5. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for guests who enjoy savory tastes alongside sweet treats.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: Offering a crunchy texture, these bars create a fun contrast when served as finger food alongside slices of cake.
7. Herbed Lemonade: Refreshing lemonade infused with herbs like mint or basil makes for a great beverage pairing that cleanses the palate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the final result.

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Always line your cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal and preserves the cake’s shape.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too long can create a dense cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not Letting Cakes Cool Completely: If you frost before the cakes cool, the frosting will melt. Allow them to cool completely on wire racks.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Room-temperature eggs and butter mix better, creating a smoother batter. Take them out ahead of time to ensure even mixing.
• Ignoring Cherry Filling Thickness: The cherry filling should be thick enough to hold its shape between layers. Adjust with sugar and cooking time as needed for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• It will remain fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for extra protection.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover cake with foil, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick pan over low heat, covering it until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert.

Can I use frozen cherries in my Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding them to your filling.

How can I make the frosting more flavorful?

For additional flavor, consider adding lemon zest or almond extract to your cream cheese frosting.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cherry juice?

You can use any fruit juice like apple or grape juice as an alternative if cherry juice isn’t available.

How do I prevent my cake from sinking in the middle?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid opening the oven door during baking. These steps help maintain proper rising.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not only visually stunning but also offers an incredible burst of flavor that makes it perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors and fillings according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and delight your family and friends!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x

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Description

Looking for a remarkable dessert that dazzles with flavor? This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is your answer. Featuring fluffy vanilla cake layers, a luscious cherry filling, and smooth cream cheese frosting, this cake is a perfect blend of sweet and tart. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s as easy to make as it is to impress. Each slice showcases beautiful layers of color and flavor—sure to be the centerpiece of any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)
• 2 cups cherries (fresh or frozen), pitted and chopped
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• ¼ cup cherry juice or puréed cherries (optional for flavor and color)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time while beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the batter until just combined.
6. Evenly divide the batter between prepared pans and bake for 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool cakes in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
8. Simmer chopped cherries with 1–2 tbsp sugar until slightly thickened and let it cool completely for the filling.
9. For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, add softened butter and beat until fluffy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
10. Layer cooled cakes with frosting and cherry filling, frosting the top and sides with remaining frosting.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg