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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare workspace by greasing three 8-inch round cake pans and lining with parchment paper. Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and voluminous, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- Gradually fold flour mixture and milk into the batter, alternating between dry and liquid ingredients. Mix until ingredients are just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Distribute batter equally among prepared cake pans. Bake for 22-27 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
- Allow cakes to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to wire cooling racks until completely cooled.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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