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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful, moist cake featuring layers of tender vanilla sponge filled and frosted with a rich, tangy cherry-infused cream cheese frosting. Beautifully enhanced with fresh or preserved cherries in both the cake batter and a luscious cherry filling, this dessert is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

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

Cherry Filling

  • 2 cups cherries, pitted and chopped
  • 1–2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 splash lemon juice (optional)

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)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cake Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the batter.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light in color and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This contributes to the cake’s airy texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
  6. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the cakes are fully cooked but remain moist.
  7. Cool Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes to set, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely, which helps prevent the frosting from melting.
  8. Prepare Cherry Filling: Place chopped cherries in a saucepan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar and a splash of lemon juice if desired. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, then cool completely. This adds a burst of cherry flavor and moisture between the layers.
  9. Make Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add softened butter and beat until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating to combine fully. For added cherry flavor and color, mix in cherry juice or puréed cherries if using.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of cherry cream cheese frosting, then add some cherry filling. Repeat with the next two layers. Finish by frosting the top and sides of the cake evenly with the remaining frosting. Garnish with cherries if desired for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • You can use fresh, frozen, or canned cherries for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw and drain them before use.
  • Buttermilk can be substituted for whole milk to add extra moisture and a slight tang.
  • Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth frosting without lumps.
  • The cherry filling can be made ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
  • Store the finished cake in the refrigerator due to the cream cheese frosting; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Cherry Layer Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Cherry Cake, Layer Cake, Fresh Cherry Dessert, Baking, Cherry Filling

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