Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Looking for a delightful dessert that will make everyone smile? If you’re in the mood for something special, this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is just the ticket! It’s one of those recipes that brings back sweet memories of family gatherings and celebrations. The combination of fluffy cake layers and a luscious cherry filling topped with creamy frosting creates a treat that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, this cake is perfect for any occasion.

This cake isn’t just about looks; it’s bursting with flavor too! The tartness of the cherries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting, making each bite a little burst of joy. Trust me, once you make this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, it’ll become a go-to recipe for all your sweet cravings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you don’t need to be a baking expert to create this beauty.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the bright cherry flavors—perfect for any gathering!
• Make-Ahead Option: You can bake the layers in advance and frost them right before serving for added convenience.
• Versatile Flavors: Feel free to play with different fillings or frostings to suit your taste.
• Stunning Presentation: The layers and colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece at any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Gather these items for a delightful baking experience:

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

This Cherry Layer Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Try different fruits: Substitute cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a new fruity twist.
• Add chocolate: Fold in chocolate chips into the batter for extra indulgence—chocolate and cherries are a match made in heaven!
• Experiment with frostings: Use whipped cream or a vanilla buttercream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter finish.
• Make it gluten-free: Swap out all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

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 step ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. While it’s heating up, grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the dry mix.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3-5 minutes. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which will help your cake rise beautifully.

Step 4: Add Eggs One by One

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. Each egg adds moisture and richness to your batter.

Step 5: Combine Flour Mixture and Milk

Gradually add your flour mixture alternately with milk to the batter. Start and end with flour. Mixing just until combined prevents overworking the batter, keeping your cake light.

Step 6: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake in your preheated oven for 22-27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Cool Down

Let your cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step prevents them from becoming soggy.

Step 8: Prepare Cherry Filling

For the cherry filling, simmer chopped cherries with 1-2 tablespoons of sugar until slightly thickened. Let it cool completely—it adds such a lovely burst of flavor between layers!

Step 9: Make Frosting

In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add softened butter and beat until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; if desired, mix in cherry juice or purée for extra flavor.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

Now comes the fun part! Layer your cooled cakes by spreading frosting on each layer along with cherry filling. Once stacked, frost the top and sides with remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh cherries if you’d like—a stunning final touch!

And there you have it! A beautiful Cherry Layer Cake that will impress anyone who sees (and tastes) it! Enjoy every slice!

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

Creating the perfect Cherry Layer Cake is a delightful journey, and these tips will ensure you achieve a stunning result every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature before baking. This helps create a smooth batter that traps air better, leading to fluffier cake layers.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake that isn’t as light and airy as we want.

• Check for doneness carefully: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cakes a couple of minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs for perfectly baked layers.

• Cool completely before frosting: It might be tempting to frost while still warm, but cooling the cakes completely ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off. This gives you a beautifully layered cake.

• Experiment with cherry flavors: Feel free to adjust the cherry flavor in your frosting by adding more cherry juice or purée. This allows you to customize the sweetness and tartness according to your taste!

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Presentation is key when it comes to showcasing this beautiful cake! Here are some ideas on how to serve it up in style.

Garnishes

• Fresh cherries: Top each slice with whole or halved cherries for a pop of color and flavor.
• Mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely contrast and enhances visual appeal.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top offers an extra touch of creaminess that complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the tartness of cherries, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the cake while providing a variety of textures and flavors.
• Coffee or tea: Offering a hot beverage like coffee or herbal tea rounds out your dessert experience, enhancing the flavors of the cake.
• Chocolate sauce: Drizzling some chocolate sauce over each slice adds richness and decadence, creating an exciting contrast with the fruity layers.

Now you’re all set to impress friends and family with your Cherry Layer Cake! Enjoy every slice filled with love and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a show-stopping dessert but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it without sacrificing flavor, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake; it will stay fresh for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• You can also microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through—be careful not to overheat!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe:

Can I use frozen cherries for the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling.

How do I make the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting even more flavorful?

Consider adding almond extract along with the vanilla to enhance the cherry flavor. You can also mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts into your frosting for added texture!

Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?

Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use plant-based cream cheese alternatives or even whipped coconut cream as a frosting base.

What is a good alternative for all-purpose flour if I want to make this gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check that it’s suitable for baking!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting brings joy and sweetness into your kitchen! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that you’ll love sharing with friends and family. Enjoy every slice, and don’t hesitate to try your own twists on this recipe. Happy baking!