Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with flavor and charm? This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate treat for any celebration or sweet craving. With fluffy vanilla cake layers, a juicy cherry filling, and silky cherry-infused cream cheese frosting, it’s a heavenly combination of sweet, tart, and creamy. Whether you’re after quick breakfast indulgence, easy dinner party desserts, or creative food ideas for any occasion, this easy recipe will steal the spotlight. Each slice is a beautiful swirl of color and flavor—irresistible, elegant, and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of cherries and cream cheese creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
• Easy to Follow: Step-by-step instructions make this cake manageable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Beautiful Presentation: The layers of cake and cherry filling look stunning on any dessert table.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or add extra flavors to suit your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools. Having everything ready can simplify the process and enhance your baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Round cake pans (8-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper
• Cooling racks

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in creaming butter and sugar to achieve the perfect fluffiness.
• Cooling racks: Ensure cakes cool evenly, preventing sogginess while cooling.
• Round cake pans: Provide uniform baking for beautiful layer cakes.

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers

• 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)

For the Cherry Filling

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

For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 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)

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:
1. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture:
1. Beat well after each addition.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add:
1. The flour mixture and milk to the batter.
2. Start with flour and end with flour; mix until just combined without over-mixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans:
1. Bake for 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Cherry Filling

For the cherry filling:
1. Simmer chopped cherries with 1–2 tbsp sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add a splash of lemon juice if desired until slightly thickened; allow it to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

In another bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add softened butter; beat until fluffy.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing; then incorporate vanilla extract.
4. If desired, mix in cherry juice or purée for added flavor.

Step 9: Assemble Your Cake

To assemble:
1. Layer one cake on a serving plate; spread frosting followed by cherry filling between layers.
2. Repeat with remaining layers; frost top and sides with remaining cream cheese frosting.
3. Garnish with additional cherries if desired before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting!

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

This delightful Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting can be served in various ways to suit different occasions. Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family gathering, you can elevate your dessert experience with these serving suggestions.

For a Birthday Celebration

• Candles and Sprinkles: Add colorful candles and sprinkles on top for a festive touch.
• Personalized Plates: Serve individual slices on decorative plates for an elegant presentation.

As a Casual Dessert

• With Fresh Cherries: Garnish each slice with fresh cherries for added texture and flavor.
• Ice Cream Accompaniment: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an indulgent treat.

For Afternoon Tea

• Tea Pairing: Serve alongside a cup of herbal tea or iced tea to complement the sweetness.
• Mini Slices: Cut smaller portions for a delightful addition to your tea spread.

How to Perfect Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow the layers to cool fully before frosting to prevent melting the icing.
• Taste Your Filling: Adjust the sugar in your cherry filling based on the tartness of your cherries for balanced sweetness.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

While the Cherry Layer Cake is a star on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert table. Consider these tasty options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and temperature contrast.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the richness of the cake.
3. Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse can create a delightful flavor contrast with the cherry cake.
4. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet refreshes the palate after enjoying cake.
5. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of brewed coffee or espresso enhances flavors and provides a nice balance to sweetness.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory element that pairs well with sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can compromise your results. Here are some to watch out for:

• Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. Using a cold oven can lead to uneven layers.
• Overmixing the batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
• Not cooling layers completely: Failing to let your cake layers cool completely before frosting can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Skipping the cherry filling: This cake is all about the flavor! Don’t skip the cherry filling, as it adds moisture and enhances the overall taste.
• Using stale ingredients: Always check your baking powder and flour for freshness. Stale ingredients can affect the rise and taste of your cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if storing stacked to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• For whole cakes, ensure it’s well wrapped and placed in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes until slightly warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds; be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting.

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cherries work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in the filling.

How do I make my frosting thicker?

If you prefer a thicker cream cheese frosting, gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I substitute other fruits for cherries?

Definitely! You can experiment with fruits like raspberries or blueberries, but adjust sweetness based on their tartness.

What variations can I try with this Cherry Layer Cake?

You can customize it by adding chocolate chips or nuts into the batter or using different flavored extracts in the frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for any celebration or simply as a sweet treat at home. Feel free to customize it further by adding different fruits or flavors to suit your taste!