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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert featuring moist, tender cake layers infused with fresh cherries, layered and frosted with a luscious cherry-flavored cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any occasion where a fruity, creamy treat is desired.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)

Cherries

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

For Cherry Filling

  • 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar (for simmering cherries)
  • A splash of lemon juice (optional)

For Cream Cheese 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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents through the flour.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender, airy cake.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk (or buttermilk) to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintaining a tender crumb.
  6. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool Cake Layers: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before assembling.
  8. Prepare Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan, simmer the chopped cherries with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar and an optional splash of lemon juice until the mixture thickens slightly. Allow this to cool completely before using it as a layer in the cake.
  9. Make Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the softened butter and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, fold in cherry juice or puréed cherries if using, to enhance flavor and color.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting, then add a layer of the cherry filling. Repeat with the remaining layers. Cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh or sugared cherries if desired for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • For best results, allow all refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature before baking.
  • Use fresh or frozen cherries when available; canned cherries may add extra liquid, so drain well.
  • You can substitute buttermilk for whole milk to add slight tanginess and moisture to the cake.
  • Chilling the frosting slightly before spreading can help achieve a smoother finish.
  • Store the cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting; remove 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
  • You can toast the cherries lightly for a deeper flavor in the filling if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cherry layer cake, cream cheese frosting, cherry dessert, homemade cake, cherry cake recipe

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/cherry-layer-cake-with-cherry-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/