Why Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Is a Must-Try

If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert, look no further than the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. This luscious cake combines moist layers infused with vibrant cherry flavor and the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting swirled with real cherry goodness. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe offers a delightful balance of rich textures and fresh fruitiness that’s impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Cherry Flavor: Each bite bursts with natural cherry taste enhanced by both the cake and frosting, delivering a harmonious flavor profile.
• Moist, Tender Layers: The cake stays wonderfully soft thanks to simple but effective baking tips, making every slice irresistibly rich.
• Versatile and Festive: Its beautiful red hues and fresh cream cheese frosting make it perfect for celebrations or an everyday treat.
• Simple Ingredients: It uses pantry staples and fresh cherries, demonstrating that great baking doesn’t require a long list of complicated items.
• Customizable Frosting: The cherry cream cheese frosting can be easily adjusted in sweetness and texture to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it relies on straightforward, high-quality ingredients that collectively create a moist cake and luscious frosting with real cherry taste, texture, and color.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the perfect crumb texture for the cake layers.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that ensure the cake rises light and fluffy.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping to achieve a tender crumb.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the layers, contributing to that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the cake’s airy texture.
• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: The star ingredient that infuses the cake layers with authentic cherry flavor and vibrant color.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the tartness of the cherries.
• Cream Cheese: Key to the frosting’s creamy, tangy depth that pairs perfectly with cherries.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for spreading.
• Heavy Cream or Milk: Used to adjust the frosting consistency for easy application.

Variations for Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tweak flavors and ingredients to match dietary needs or taste preferences with ease.

• Use Cherry Jam: Spread cherry jam between layers for added fruitiness and texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese and butter with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly cake.
• Chocolate Cherry: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a decadent chocolate twist paired perfectly with cherry frosting.
• Almond Extract: Swap vanilla for almond extract to complement the cherry flavor with nutty undertones.
• Cherry Compote Topping: Garnish the cake with a warm cherry compote for a glossy, fresh finish.

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Cherry Cake Batter

Start by mixing the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and baking soda—in one bowl. In another, cream together softened butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract. Gently fold in chopped cherries to the batter to spread the cherry flavor throughout the cake layers.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly into greased and floured round cake pans. Bake at a steady 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the layers cool completely before frosting to ensure a smooth and even frosting application.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to beat, then incorporate pureed cherries for that subtle fruit flavor and tint. If needed, adjust texture with a splash of heavy cream or milk for a spreadable consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous layer of frosting on top, then add the next layer. Repeat frosting on the top and all around the sides for a clean, luscious finish. Chill the cake briefly if you want to firm up the frosting before slicing and serving.

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

• Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Both work beautifully—just thaw and drain frozen cherries to avoid excess moisture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temp for smooth mixing and better batter consistency.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in cherries and dry ingredients to keep the cake airy and prevent toughness.
• Chill the Frosting: Cooling the frosting before applying helps it set nicely and hold shape.
• Use a Serrated Knife for Slicing: This keeps cake layers neat and frosting intact when serving.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top with fresh whole or halved cherries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even some toasted almond slivers for added elegance and crunch.

Side Dishes

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly to enhance the cake’s creamy texture and fruity brightness without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve as individual mini cakes using small cake molds, or layer the cake with fresh cherry slices visible for a stunning cross-section presentation. Add edible flowers for a colorful, festive touch that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep the frosting fresh and prevent the cake from drying out.

Freezing

The assembled cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze uncovered for an hour first, then wrap securely with foil and plastic wrap to protect from freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For best results, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature. If preferred warm, let slices sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds on low power—just enough to soften without melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen?

While canned cherries can work in a pinch, fresh or frozen cherries offer a better texture and more vibrant flavor without added syrup or preservatives.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for best results, and be sure to verify your baking powder is gluten-free.

Can I make the frosting without cream cheese?

The cream cheese is key to the tangy frosting; however, combining mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative can work as substitutes while maintaining a creamy texture.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming runny?

Make sure your cream cheese and butter are firm but beatable, and avoid adding excess liquid. Chilling the frosting before application also helps maintain stability.

Can I add alcohol to the recipe?

Yes! A splash of cherry liqueur or brandy in the batter or frosting can add a sophisticated depth of flavor. Adjust the sweetness slightly if you do.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the combination of fresh cherries and cream cheese frosting layered between moist cake rounds. This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a feast for the senses but a versatile and approachable recipe that will quickly become a favorite for any occasion. Whip one up and enjoy the smiles and sweet satisfaction it brings to your table!

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