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 blend of cherries and cream cheese creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: Stunning layers make this cake a centerpiece for any gathering.
• Versatile for Occasions: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or just a delightful treat anytime.
• Simple to Follow: Clear instructions make baking this cake easy for everyone.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the cherry filling as per your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready makes baking more enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Three 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Ensures smooth mixing of ingredients while saving time and effort.
• Cake pans: Using three pans helps achieve even baking for each cake layer.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cakes from the pans.
• Cooling rack: Allows cakes to cool evenly without becoming soggy on the bottom.

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.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl:
1. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

1. Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
2. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Alternately add:
1. The dry flour mixture
2. And milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cakes

1. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
2. Bake for 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool Cakes

Allow cakes to cool in pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Make Cherry Filling

To create cherry filling:
1. Simmer chopped cherries with 1–2 tbsp sugar and a splash of lemon juice (optional) until slightly thickened.
2. Cool completely before using.

Step 9: Make Frosting

For the frosting:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl.
2. Add softened butter; beat until fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in powdered sugar followed by vanilla extract.
4. If desired, incorporate cherry juice or puréed cherries for extra flavor.

Step 10: Assemble Your Cake

To assemble:
1. Layer cakes by spreading frosting between layers along with cherry filling.
2. Frost the top and sides of the cake with remaining frosting.
3. Garnish with additional cherries if desired.

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

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Serving your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting can elevate any occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this stunning dessert.

For Celebrations

• Birthday Parties: This cake is perfect for birthdays, offering a vibrant and delicious centerpiece that delights both kids and adults.
• Weddings: A stylish choice for weddings, the colorful layers will impress guests and make for beautiful photos.

Casual Gatherings

• Family Gatherings: Serve slices alongside coffee or tea during family get-togethers; it’s a lovely way to bond over dessert.
• Picnics: Pack slices in individual containers for an easy, portable sweet treat that everyone will enjoy outdoors.

Special Occasions

• Holidays: This cake makes an excellent addition to holiday feasts—its bright colors evoke festive cheer.
• Brunches: Pair with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a decadent brunch option that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

How to Perfect Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Perfecting your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting can take it from good to extraordinary. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Cool Cakes Completely: Allow cakes to cool fully before frosting; warm cakes can melt the frosting.
• Flavor Your Frosting: Enhance the cherry flavor in your frosting by adding cherry juice or purée for a more vibrant taste and color.
• Level Your Cakes: Use a serrated knife to trim the tops of your cakes if they domed while baking, ensuring even stacking.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving; this helps set the frosting.

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

Pair your delicious Cherry Layer Cake with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the cake.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds richness and contrasts nicely with the tart cherry flavors.
4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola offers a delightful texture contrast when sprinkled on top of slices or served on the side.
5. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch that enhances the overall dessert experience.
6. Coffee or Tea: Serve alongside freshly brewed coffee or herbal tea to create a comforting atmosphere as you enjoy dessert together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, avoid these common mistakes for the best results.

• Boldly skip measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure consistent results.
• Boldly neglecting room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like eggs and butter should be at room temperature for better mixing and texture. Take them out ahead of time.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Boldly rushing the cooling process: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat presentation.
• Boldly forgetting about flavor balance: Adjust sugar levels in both the cake and frosting to suit your taste. A little tartness from cherry juice can enhance overall flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
• The cake will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

Freezing Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a non-stick pan over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated 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, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to your cake filling.

How do I make my frosting smoother?

To achieve a smooth frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter thoroughly before adding powdered sugar. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.

What if I don’t have cherry juice?

If you don’t have cherry juice, you can substitute it with cherry puree or even another fruit juice like apple or cranberry for a different twist.

How long does this cake last?

This cake lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen properly.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this delightful recipe today, and bring joy to your table!