Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings joy to any gathering, then you’ve found it with this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. This cake is not just a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors! The fluffy vanilla cake layers paired with the juicy cherry filling and creamy frosting create a wonderful harmony that will have everyone reaching for another slice. It’s my go-to recipe for birthdays, family get-togethers, or even just a cozy weekend treat. Trust me, this cake is sure to impress!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up yet elegant enough to serve at special occasions. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to treat your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you can bake this beautiful cake without stress.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cherries! This cake is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Options: You can easily adapt this recipe for different occasions or dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake the layers ahead of time and assemble just before serving!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and creamy frosting makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! For this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll find simple and wholesome items that are easy to source. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Cake Layers

• 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)

For the Cherry Filling

• 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

The beauty of this Cherry Layer Cake is its flexibility! You can mix things up based on your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the batter for a citrus twist!
• Use Different Fruits: Swap out cherries for strawberries or raspberries for a different berry experience.
• Change Up the Frosting: Try using whipped cream instead of cream cheese frosting for a lighter option.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lining three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper ensures your cakes come out easily without sticking. It’s an important step that will save you from any sticky situations later!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps combine these dry ingredients evenly so they work their magic in making your cake rise beautifully.

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 creates air pockets in your batter that will give your cake its lovely texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add in each egg one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mixing in the vanilla extract here adds depth of flavor—it’s going to make your kitchen smell heavenly!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to alternate adding the dry mixture and whole milk into your batter. Start with half of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk; repeat this until everything is combined. Mixing gently ensures you don’t overwork the batter which can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Bake!

Divide your batter evenly among the prepared pans. Pop them in the oven for about 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. As they bake, resist opening the oven door too soon; let them rise undisturbed!

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Let your cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks. Cooling completely is important; if they’re warm when you frost them, it could melt all that delightful creaminess away!

Step 8: Prepare Cherry Filling

While waiting for your cakes to cool completely, simmer chopped cherries with sugar (1-2 tablespoons) until slightly thickened. This makes a delicious filling that adds moisture and flavor between those gorgeous layers.

Step 9: Make Frosting

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in butter until fluffy followed by powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If using cherry juice or purée, fold it in now—this will add extra flavor!

Step 10: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Layer your cooled cakes by spreading frosting on top of each layer along with cherry filling. Finish by frosting the top and sides with remaining frosting. Feel free to garnish with whole cherries if you’d like—a little extra touch never hurts!

Enjoy every moment of making—and devouring—this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting! It truly is more than just dessert; it’s love served on a plate!

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

Creating a stunning Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is easier than you might think, especially with these helpful tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your butter, eggs, and milk to room temperature helps create a smooth batter that incorporates air more easily, resulting in a light and fluffy cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing the batter just until combined prevents the cake from becoming dense. Overmixing can lead to tough layers, so be gentle!

• Cool cakes completely before frosting: Allowing your cakes to cool completely ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt. This way, you’ll have beautifully layered cakes without any mess.

• Chill your frosting: If your cherry cream cheese frosting feels too soft or runny, pop it in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This makes it easier to spread and pipe.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a splash of almond extract or lemon zest to either the cake batter or frosting for an extra layer of flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving this gorgeous cake is as fun as making it! With its vibrant color and delightful taste, it’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present this show-stopping dessert.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint add a lovely pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake.
• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch. The combination of chocolate and cherries is always a hit!
• Sliced almonds: Toasted sliced almonds provide a nice crunch and pair perfectly with the creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the cherries wonderfully, creating a classic dessert duo.
• Berry salad: A light berry salad made with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds a refreshing contrast to the rich cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a sweet and creamy accompaniment that enhances the cherry flavors.
• Coffee or tea: Serve slices alongside cups of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat; the warmth of these beverages pairs nicely with the rich cake.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in mind, your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is sure to impress! Enjoy every slice at your next gathering or cozy night in!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious cake without the last-minute rush. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat this delightful treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• Wrap each layer of cooled cake in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze layers for up to 3 months.
• For frosting, store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place a slice of cake on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting.

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

Yes! Frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they are pitted and chopped before adding them to your filling. You may want to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

How do I make the cherry filling thicker?

You can thicken your cherry filling by simmering it longer or adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the cooking process. This will help achieve a more desirable consistency.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a vegan cream cheese alternative. Alternatively, whipped coconut cream or silken tofu blended until smooth can also work well as substitutes.

How should I decorate my Cherry Layer Cake?

Feel free to get creative! Fresh cherries on top add a lovely touch. You could also sprinkle some chopped nuts or edible flowers for an extra pop of color and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is truly something special—a delightful blend of flavors that is bound to impress everyone at your gathering. I hope you enjoy making this delicious dessert as much as I do! Whether it’s a birthday celebration or simply treating yourself on a Sunday afternoon, this cake is sure to bring joy. Don’t hesitate to give it a try; I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!