Irresistible Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

If you are looking for a dessert that blends juicy cherry goodness with creamy, tangy frosting, then this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is absolutely the perfect choice. This cake is a delightful balance of moist layers bursting with real cherry flavor, topped off with a luscious cream cheese frosting that has just the right hint of sweetness and tartness to keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a day craving something special, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing, unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The sweet cherries paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting create a harmonious flavor profile.
• Moist and Tender Cake Layers: The cake layers stay moist thanks to the fresh cherry puree and butter, making every bite feel like a dream.
• Visually Stunning: Vibrant cherry hues peek through the frosting, making it as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: This cherry layer cake is festive enough for celebrations but simple enough for weeknight treats.
• Easy to Make at Home: Uses common baking ingredients and straightforward steps without compromising flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a delicious Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is easier than you might expect. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to the moist texture, rich flavor, or beautiful color of the finished cake.

• Fresh Cherries: Use pitted sweet cherries for natural sweetness and bright flavor in the cake layers and frosting.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and light crumb that makes the cake tender but sturdy.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and moisture to the batter and frosting.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly and helps with the texture and browning during baking.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the cake’s fluffy texture.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leaveners that ensure the cake rises just right.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm natural notes.
• Cream Cheese: The star of the frosting, adding tanginess and creamy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting for easy spreading.
• Heavy Cream: Lightens the frosting for that perfect fluffy consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness in the frosting.

Variations for Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

This cherry layer cake recipe is wonderfully customizable—whether you need to adjust for dietary restrictions or simply want to experiment with flavors and textures, you can easily tweak the ingredients or presentation.

• Use Frozen Cherries: Swap fresh cherries for frozen ones when out of season, just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with sensitivities.
• Vegan Version: Replace butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives and use flax eggs.
• Almond Extract Addition: Add a hint of almond extract to the batter and frosting for a nutty depth of flavor.
• Chocolate-Cherry Twist: Mix some cocoa powder into the batter to create chocolate layers that beautifully complement the cherry frosting.

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Puree

Start by washing, pitting, and pureeing fresh cherries until smooth. This puree will infuse the batter and frosting with authentic cherry flavor and vibrant color.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a consistent rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step aerates the batter and helps create a tender crumb in the finished cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. This adds richness and natural fragrance to the cake layers.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the flour mixture and cherry puree to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between greased cake pans and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—inserted clean means it’s ready.

Step 7: Prepare the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in fresh cherry puree and a splash of lemon juice. Whip until light and fluffy, adding heavy cream if needed to reach desired consistency.

Step 8: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Once cakes are completely cool, layer them on your serving plate, spreading frosting between each layer and around the entire cake. Smooth it out or create textured swirls for a pretty presentation.

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This ensures even mixing and a smooth batter without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
• Strain the Cherry Puree: Remove seeds and excess pulp for a smoother frosting texture.
• Chill the Frosting: Refrigerate the cream cheese frosting for 10-15 minutes if too soft to spread easily.
• Level Your Cake Layers: Use a serrated knife to trim domed tops for an even and professional-looking stack.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Top your cake with fresh whole cherries, a sprinkle of toasted almond flakes, or a dusting of powdered sugar to add texture and an inviting look that highlights the cherry theme.

Side Dishes

Serve this irresistible cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to complement the rich flavors and add creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual cherry layer cake slices on pretty plates drizzled with warm cherry sauce or decorate mini versions as cupcakes with swirls of cherry cream cheese frosting for a fun twist at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover cake covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to preserve freshness and maintain the creaminess of the frosting without drying out the layers.

Freezing

Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best enjoyment, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature; avoid microwaving as heating can cause the frosting to separate and the cake to dry out.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture. If using canned, be sure to drain them well and reduce added sugar as canned cherries are often sweetened.

Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives to maintain the creamy texture without compromising taste.

How long does the cake stay fresh on the counter?

Since the frosting contains cream cheese, it’s best to store the cake in the refrigerator and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours.

Can I substitute powdered sugar with granulated sugar in frosting?

Powdered sugar is preferred for smooth, creamy frosting. Granulated sugar won’t dissolve properly and could result in a gritty texture.

What’s the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?

Make sure not to overbake the layers and store the cake properly wrapped or covered in the fridge to seal in moisture.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing quite like biting into a slice of this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. Its balance of sweet cherries and tangy frosting wrapped in moist, tender cake layers is sure to brighten every occasion and satisfy your sweetest cravings. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the joy with friends and family—this cherry delight is bound to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire!

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