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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
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This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, tender dessert that perfectly balances juicy fresh cherries with a tangy, creamy frosting. Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, it combines vibrant cherry flavor and visually stunning layers topped with luscious cream cheese frosting for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 cups pitted fresh sweet cherries
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free option)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based alternative)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh cherry puree (strained to remove seeds and excess pulp)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream (or plant-based cream), optional for consistency

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherry Puree: Wash, pit, and puree 2 cups of fresh cherries until smooth. For smoother frosting, strain to remove seeds and excess pulp.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until light and fluffy, aerating the batter for a tender cake.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 4 large eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the cherry puree to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  6. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between two greased and floured 9-inch cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick that should come out clean.
  7. Prepare the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together 8 oz softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, then blend in 1/2 cup cherry puree and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Whip until light and fluffy, adding 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream if needed for desired spreading consistency.
  8. Assemble and Frost the Cake: Once the cake layers are completely cooled, place one layer on your serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth the frosting or create decorative swirls as desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and lump-free batter.
  • Do not overmix the batter; stir just until combined for tender cake layers.
  • Strain cherry puree to remove seeds and pulp for a smoother frosting texture.
  • If frosting is too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
  • Level the cake layers with a serrated knife for a professional look and even stacking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cherry Layer Cake, Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, Cherry Cake, Layer Cake, Dessert, Baking, Gluten Free Option

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