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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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★★★★★

5.3 from 21 reviews

A delightful Cherry Layer Cake featuring moist, tender cake layers studded with cherries and topped with a luscious cherry cream cheese frosting. This recipe combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with a creamy and rich frosting, perfect for celebrations or a special dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

  • 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)

Cherry Filling

  • 2 cups chopped cherries
  • 1–2 tbsp sugar
  • A splash of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes don’t stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This aerates the mixture for a tender cake.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and prevent curdling. Stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour. Mix each addition just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
  6. Fold in Cherries and Bake: Gently fold the chopped cherries into the batter. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare Cherry Filling: To make the cherry filling, simmer the chopped cherries with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly. Let cool completely before assembling.
  9. Make Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add the softened butter and beat until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Stir in cherry juice or puréed cherries if you want extra flavor and color.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting followed by the cherry filling. Repeat with the remaining layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen cherries, but if frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
  • The cherry juice or purée in the frosting is optional but adds beautiful color and flavor.
  • If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
  • For best results, cool the cake completely before frosting to prevent melting.
  • This cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry layer cake, cherry cream cheese frosting, cherry cake recipe, layered fruit cake, cream cheese frosting cake

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