Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you love the perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine tender layers of moist cake infused with juicy cherries, all hugged by a luscious cherry cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s a showstopper dessert that combines classic comfort with a delightful cherry twist, making every bite a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting plays an essential role in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. From the basic pantry staples to the vibrant cherries, everything works together to create a moist, flavorful cake and a frosting that is both tangy and sweet.

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender yet sturdy cake base.
• 2½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake layers rise beautifully and become fluffy.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and ensures a moist crumb.
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake layers perfectly without overpowering.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature: Bind ingredients together and provide lift.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk): Moisturizes the batter and adds tenderness.
• 2 cups cherries, pitted and chopped: Brings juicy bursts of cherry flavor and color.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the frosting, lending tang and creaminess.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Combines with cream cheese to create a smooth, fluffy frosting.
• 3½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides structure.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor complexity to the frosting.
• ¼ cup cherry juice or puréed cherries (optional): Intensifies the cherry flavor and gives the frosting a lovely pink hue.

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature before baking. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper — this step makes removing your cake layers a breeze. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

The magic begins by creaming the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes when using an electric mixer and forms the foundation of your cake’s tender crumb. The tiny air pockets created here will help make your cake delightfully soft and spongy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. This ensures each egg is fully incorporated, helping the batter stay smooth and not curdle. Stir in the vanilla extract, which infuses the batter with a subtle sweetness and a warm aroma that signals something wonderful is coming.

Step 4: Combine Flour Mixture and Milk

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour. Mixing just enough to combine prevents overworking the gluten, which could lead to a denser cake. This balance is critical to achieving the light, tender layers that make the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting so irresistible.

Step 5: Add Chopped Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped cherries, distributing their juicy sweetness evenly throughout the batter. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned, these cherries add bursts of flavor and a beautiful natural color that steals the spotlight in every slice.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and bake for 22 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As the kitchen fills with the inviting smell of baking cake, the layers will rise, lightly golden and perfectly cooked. Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely — a crucial step before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.

Step 7: Prepare the Cherry Filling

While your cakes cool, simmer the chopped cherries with a tablespoon or two of sugar and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Cook them just until slightly thickened, releasing those sweet, tangy juices you’ll want between your layers. Let this cool completely before assembling the cake.

Step 8: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the softened butter and continue beating until fluffy and light. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. For a more vibrant cherry flavor and pretty pink tint, stir in the cherry juice or purée. The result is a silky, luscious frosting that perfectly complements the cake’s fruitiness.

Step 9: Assemble the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Now for the fun part! Starting with one cake layer, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting followed by a spoonful of cherry filling. Repeat with the next layers, finishing with frosting on the top and sides of the cake. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with whole cherries on top. Your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is now ready to dazzle.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add a burst of natural flavor, garnish your cake with fresh whole cherries, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, or even some white chocolate shavings. These touches add texture and make the cake visually inviting, perfect for impressing any guest.

Side Dishes

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting pairs beautifully with light, fruity side dishes. Think fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to bring out the cake’s creamy richness. Alternatively, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea creates a delightful contrast to the sweet, tangy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your crowd? Serve the cake in individual portions layered in glass trifle dishes with extra cherry filling and frosting for an elegant look. Or slice it into petite versions for a charming tea party display. Adding edible flower petals or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving provides a whimsical, bakery-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting keeps best in the refrigerator, tightly covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors. Stored properly, it should stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a lovely treat to enjoy later without compromising taste or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The frosting can be frozen in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake layers overnight in the refrigerator and then assemble with freshly whipped frosting and cherry filling for best results.

Reheating

Because this is a cream cheese-frosted cake, reheating is not recommended as it can affect the frosting’s texture. Instead, let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and mouthfeel. If you enjoy it chilled, the cherries and frosting will still taste wonderfully fresh and creamy.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess juice before chopping and adding them to your batter to avoid extra moisture.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone or a combination of butter and Greek yogurt can provide a tangy, creamy alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I keep the cake layers moist?

The key is not to overbake the cake layers and to use buttermilk or whole milk in the batter. Also, the cherry filling adds moisture between layers, making every bite wonderfully tender.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, flax eggs, and vegan cream cheese, you can adapt this recipe to be vegan or dairy-free, though baking times and textures might vary slightly.

How long does the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting take to make?

From start to finish, including baking and cooling, expect around 2 to 3 hours, mostly due to cooling and assembly time. It’s well worth the wait for such a rewarding dessert.

Final Thoughts

Making and sharing the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just baking a cake; it’s creating a centerpiece of joy and celebration. With each moist slice and creamy bite, you’re bound to spread smiles and warm hearts. So grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you’ll soon understand why it’s a treasured favorite in my kitchen and hopefully in yours too!

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