Dreamy Cherry Layer Cake Recipe with Luscious Cream Cheese Frosting

Sweet memories bloom with this cherry layer cake that captures summer’s most delightful essence.

Layers of soft, tender cake embrace luscious cherry filling between delicate crumbs.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious richness that makes each slice pure magic.

Fresh cherries scattered across the top create a beautiful, rustic presentation.

We all deserve moments of pure dessert bliss that transport us to sunny orchards.

Baking this cake becomes a delightful adventure promising pure happiness in every single bite.

You’ll fall in love with how easily this stunning dessert comes together.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Layer Cake

• Effortlessly create a stunning dessert with straightforward steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
• Enjoy a delightful blend of sweet cherries and creamy frosting that transforms an ordinary cake into a spectacular celebration treat.
• Impress guests with a gorgeous layer cake that looks professionally made but can be easily prepared at home with minimal kitchen skills.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting cherry intensity or adding decorative touches to suit different preferences and special occasions.

What You Need for Cherry Layer Cake with Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: Light and soft base for the cake structure.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with cake texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create cake structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
• Baking Powder: Helps cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and enhances other flavors.

• Fresh Cherries: Provides natural fruit flavor and texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens cherry filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to cherry mixture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth and tangy base for frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements frosting flavor.
• Cherry Juice or Purée: Adds cherry color and flavor to frosting.

Instructions for Making Cherry Layer Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up the oven to 350°F.

Coat three 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

This ensures easy cake removal and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.

Sifting the ingredients helps eliminate lumps and creates a smoother cake texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend butter and sugar using an electric mixer.

Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow.

This process typically takes 3-5 minutes and incorporates air into the batter.

Step 4: Add Eggs And Vanilla

Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Blend in vanilla extract until well combined.

The mixture should look smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually add flour mixture and milk to the batter, alternating between the two.

Start and end with the flour mixture.

Mix until ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake Cake Layers

Evenly distribute batter among the prepared pans.

Bake for 22-27 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

The cakes should be golden and slightly pulled away from the pan edges.

Step 7: Cool Cake Layers

Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire racks and let them cool completely.

This prevents the cake from breaking when removing from pans.

Step 8: Prepare Cherry Filling

• Sugar
• Lemon juice (optional)

Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.

Allow to cool completely before using.

Step 9: Create Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese until smooth.

Add butter and continue beating until fluffy.

Gradually incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

If desired, mix in cherry juice or purée for additional flavor.

Step 10: Assemble And Decorate Cake

Layer cake, spreading frosting and cherry filling between each layer.

Cover the top and sides with remaining frosting.

Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries for a beautiful presentation.

Tips for Moist Cake and Creamy Frosting

• Brush each cake layer with simple syrup to lock in moisture and enhance flavor, ensuring a tender and delectable texture.
• Use a chopstick or a paper clip to quickly remove cherry pits without creating a messy kitchen workspace.
• Add powdered sugar gradually to control the frosting's thickness, creating a spreadable and smooth cream cheese topping.
• Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes before serving, allowing layers to set and making clean, precise cuts possible.
• Incorporate a splash of almond extract into the batter or frosting to complement and intensify the natural cherry taste.

Storing and Reheating Cherry Cake the Right Way

• Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a cake keeper to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Thaw individual portions at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for best flavor. Microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a slightly warm piece.

Desserts and Drinks to Serve with Cherry Cake

Indulge in Delightful Flavor Companions

• Sparkling Rosé Pairing: Complement the cherry cake's sweetness with a chilled, light rosé that echoes the fruity notes and cuts through the rich cream cheese frosting.
• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Side: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the cake, creating a delectable contrast between warm cake and cold, velvety dessert.
• Almond Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds over the frosting for a delightful textural element that adds nutty depth and crisp contrast to the soft cake layers.
• Dark Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance the cherry cake with a subtle dark chocolate sauce, which intensifies the fruit's richness and provides a sophisticated flavor complexity.

Fun Twists for Cherry Cake and Frosting

• Gluten-Free Cherry Delight: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend using almond or rice flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Cherry Wonder: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternatives, and swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk to create a completely dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Classic: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, and reduce overall sugar content in both cake and frosting for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Dream: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream-based frosting and use dairy-free margarine to create an allergen-friendly cake suitable for those with lactose intolerance.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before cooking to prevent excess liquid in the filling.

• How do I prevent my cake layers from being dry?

Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t overbake. Check the cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time and remove when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

• What if I don't have three cake pans?

You can bake the cake in batches or use two pans and divide the batter more thickly, adjusting the baking time slightly. Just ensure the pans are not more than 2/3 full.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. Assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.5 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luscious Cherry Layer Cake with cherry cream cheese frosting invites dessert enthusiasts into a world of sweet indulgence. Rich layers of moist cherry-infused cake complement creamy frosting, promising a delightful experience you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups cherries (fresh, frozen, or canned), pitted and chopped
• 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk)

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare workspace by greasing three 8-inch round cake pans and lining with parchment paper. Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
5. Gradually fold flour mixture and milk into the batter, alternating between dry and liquid ingredients. Mix until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
6. Distribute batter equally among prepared cake pans. Bake for 22-27 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
7. Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks until completely cooled.
8. Prepare cherry filling by gently simmering chopped cherries with sugar and a hint of lemon juice, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.
9. Create cream cheese frosting by beating cream cheese until smooth, then incorporating butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, blending thoroughly. Optional: Mix in cherry juice for enhanced flavor.
10. Construct cake by layering each cake round with frosting and cherry filling between layers. Cover entire cake with remaining frosting, creating a smooth finish. Optional: Decorate with fresh cherries on top.

Notes

• Soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature to ensure smooth, lump-free mixing for the most delicate cake texture.
• Avoid overmixing batter to prevent a tough, dense cake – stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Drain cherry filling thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making cake layers soggy during assembly.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 27 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg