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

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves cherries! This dessert is sure to delight kids and adults alike at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake the layers in advance and frost them just before serving, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Versatile Flavor: The combination of cherry and cream cheese creates a delicious balance that works wonderfully for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful cake! Each element plays a vital role in bringing out the flavors that make this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting so special.

For the Cake

• 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, 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)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or almond extract into the batter for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mix Up the Fruit: Substitute cherries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different taste experience.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to accommodate dietary needs.
• Frosting Fun: Experiment with flavored cream cheese frostings like chocolate or citrus to switch things up!

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake layers will bake evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the cakes after baking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first allows them to be evenly distributed throughout your batter later on.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3–5 minutes. The air you whip into this mixture will help create a lovely texture in your cake!

Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. This process helps incorporate air into the batter while ensuring each egg blends smoothly into the mix.

Step 5: Alternate Flour Mixture and Milk

Now it’s time to add your flour mixture alternately with milk. Start with about one-third of the flour mixture followed by half of the milk. Repeat until everything is combined but be careful not to overmix; we want our cake tender!

Step 6: Bake Your Layers

Divide your batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as they bake; every oven is slightly different!

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly is key—this prevents melting your frosting later on!

Step 8: Prepare Cherry Filling

For that luscious cherry filling, simmer chopped cherries on low heat with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar until slightly thickened (add a splash of lemon juice if you like). This process brings out their natural sweetness while thickening them up nicely.

Step 9: Make Your Frosting

To make your frosting dreamy smooth, beat cream cheese until fluffy before adding softened butter. Gradually mix in powdered sugar along with vanilla extract. If you’re using cherry juice or purée for added flavor or color, fold it in now.

Step 10: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread some frosting followed by cherry filling on top. Repeat this process with each layer before frosting the entire outside of the cake with remaining frosting. Feel free to garnish with cherries on top if desired!

And there you have it—a delightful Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect Cherry Layer Cake is all about a few key techniques that will elevate your baking game!

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better emulsification, which leads to a lighter and fluffier cake texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, while gentle folding keeps it airy.

• Use Fresh Cherries When Possible: Fresh cherries enhance the flavor and texture of the filling. If using frozen or canned, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture.

• Chill Your Frosting: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft to spread, chill it in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This helps it firm up for easier application on the cake layers.

• Level Your Cakes: After baking, use a serrated knife to level off the tops of your cakes if they have domed. This ensures even stacking and a beautiful presentation when layered.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

This Cherry Layer Cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the cherry flavors beautifully.

• Chocolate Shavings: Lightly sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch that adds richness without overpowering the cherry taste.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cherries, creating a classic dessert combination.

• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with lightly sweetened whipped coconut cream. It adds a luscious texture that balances the cake’s sweetness.

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake, making it ideal for warm days.

• Herbal Tea: Serve slices alongside a warm cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint. The soothing flavors complement each other and enhance the overall experience.

Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning Cherry Layer Cake! Enjoy every scrumptious slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time for special occasions or just to enjoy a sweet treat later on.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake, where it will stay fresh for about a week.
• If you have cut slices, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing to maintain moisture.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake layers individually in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze the layers for up to 3 months.
• For the frosting, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen cake layers overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• If desired, let the cake sit at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying to restore its softness.
• For frosted cake, use a microwave-safe plate and warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How should I store Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for a week. You can also freeze individual layers or slices!

Can I use frozen cherries in my Cherry Layer Cake?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly; just ensure they are thawed and pitted before using them in the filling.

How do I achieve a vibrant color for my frosting?

Adding cherry juice or puréed cherries not only enhances flavor but also gives your frosting a beautiful pink hue. Adjust according to your desired color intensity!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy making this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s a wonderful dessert that brings together sweet, tart, and creamy flavors, perfect for any celebration or simply as a delightful treat. Enjoy every slice and share it with loved ones—you’ll be sure to spread smiles all around. Happy baking!