Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, look no further than this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. Juicy, vibrant cherries nestled between tender cake layers meet the tangy, luscious cherry cream cheese frosting to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. This cake doesn’t just taste incredible, it also captures the perfect balance of sweetness and fresh fruitiness, making it an absolute showstopper for any occasion or even a treat-yourself moment.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to whip up this delightful Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting? The ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward, combining pantry staples with fresh cherries that bring in color and juicy sweetness. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, from the soft butter that enriches the cake’s crumb to the cream cheese that adds a beautifully tangy creaminess to the frosting.

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your cake providing structure and tenderness.
• 2½ tsp baking powder: Ensures your cake rises perfectly fluffy.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and a rich buttery taste.
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature: Bind everything together and give the cake volume.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Provides warm aroma and depth in flavor.
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
• 2 cups cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned), pitted and chopped: The star ingredient for bursts of juicy cherry flavor in every bite.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates the dreamy, tangy base of the frosting.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the frosting its silky, spreadable texture.
• 3½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor with a subtle vanilla note.
• ¼ cup cherry juice or puréed cherries (optional): Adds extra cherry flavor and gorgeous pink tint to your frosting.

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Properly greasing and lining three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper ensures your layers come out cleanly without sticking—a simple step that sets you up for success.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This mixture forms the base that will give your cake its structure and lift, so make sure it’s well combined before adding to the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the blend is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This takes around three to five minutes and is key for creating a tender crumb and that delicate crumb texture we all love in a great layer cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and homogenous. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting aroma that will lift the entire cake’s flavor.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; over-mixing can make the cake tough, but gentle folding preserves that lightness you’re after.

Step 6: Fold in Chopped Cherries and Bake

Gently fold the 2 cups of pitted, chopped cherries into your batter for juicy bursts of fruit throughout the cake layers. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, then bake for 22 to 27 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, signaling those cakes are perfectly baked.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is key; frosting a warm cake can lead to melty, messy layers instead of pretty, clean slices.

Step 8: Make the Cherry Filling (Optional)

If you want an extra cherry punch, simmer the chopped cherries with a bit of sugar and lemon juice until thickened. This will intensify the cherry flavor and add moist fruitiness between layers for a truly decadent experience.

Step 9: Prepare the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then add the softened butter and whip until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then stir in cherry juice or purée if you want that lovely pink tint and boosted cherry essence. The frosting should be smooth, creamy, and easy to spread.

Step 10: Assemble the Cake

Layer your cooled cake rounds with frosting and cherry filling (if using), spreading evenly between each layer. Finish by frosting the top and sides. For an extra touch, garnish the top with fresh cherries for a beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Fresh cherries on top not only elevate the appearance but enhance the fresh fruit appeal. A sprinkle of toasted almond slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add texture and visual interest that’ll impress all your guests.

Side Dishes

Consider serving your Cherry Layer Cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the cake’s richness. A cup of hot coffee, black tea, or even a refreshing glass of sparkling water complements the flavors perfectly, creating a rounded dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this cake on a decorative cake stand to let those layers shine through the frosting edges. You can also slice it into petite squares for a party platter or turn it into elegant parfait-style desserts by layering cake, frosting, and cherries in clear glasses for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, tightly covered to prevent drying out or absorbing other odors. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every slice.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately before frosting for up to 2 months by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frosted cake can also be frozen, but it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain that creamy frosting texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, avoid reheating it. Instead, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring out the full flavor and softness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries for the cake?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully when pitted and chopped. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy batter.

Is it okay to substitute buttermilk instead of whole milk?

Yes! Buttermilk adds a slight tang and extra tenderness to the cake crumb, making your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting even more moist and flavorful.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming too runny?

Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted, and gradually add powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If it gets too soft, refrigerate it briefly to firm up.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

With a good gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like all-purpose flour, you can successfully make this cake gluten-free while retaining its delicious texture.

What’s the best way to get clean slices when serving?

Use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Also, chilling the cake slightly before slicing can help create neater, more defined layers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting that makes it a favorite in my kitchen and hopefully soon in yours too. It perfectly balances sweetness, tanginess, and fresh fruit, making it an unforgettable treat that’s worth every minute of effort. Give yourself the joy of baking and sharing this gem—you truly cannot go wrong with this crowd-pleaser!

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