Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve come to the right place! This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is one of my all-time favorites. Each bite offers a delightful mix of fluffy cake and luscious cherry filling, topped off with dreamy cream cheese frosting. It’s the kind of cake that makes any occasion feel special, whether it’s a birthday celebration or just a family gathering on a busy weeknight.

What truly makes this recipe shine is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master baker to pull it off! The colorful layers and rich flavors will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s just as perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee as it is for dessert after dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet cherry flavor and creamy frosting!
• Make Ahead Convenience: You can bake the layers in advance and assemble when you’re ready.
• Versatile: Great for birthdays, gatherings, or even just because you feel like baking!
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant layers make it a showstopper on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll want to gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that create magic in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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)

For the Filling

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

For the 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)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Incorporate some chopped almonds or walnuts into the cake batter for added crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Substitute cherries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
• Make it Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the cake batter for a chocolate version of this layered delight.
• Go Sugar-Free: Use sugar substitutes in both the cake and frosting if you’re watching your sugar intake.

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step because starting with a hot oven ensures that your cake rises beautifully and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the cakes once they’re baked!

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first ensures that everything is evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3–5 minutes. This step adds air into your mixture, creating a light texture in your cake.

Step 5: Add Eggs One at a Time

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mixing them in gradually helps maintain that fluffy texture we want!

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to your batter—start with flour and end with flour. Mixing until just combined prevents over-mixing which can lead to dense cakes.

Step 7: Bake Your Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among prepared pans. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 22–27 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake!

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, cool your cakes in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step allows them to set without getting soggy.

Step 9: Prepare Cherry Filling

For the cherry filling, simmer chopped cherries with 1–2 tablespoons of sugar (and lemon juice if using) until slightly thickened. Let this mixture cool completely—it will add juicy goodness between those lovely layers!

Step 10: Make Your Frosting

To make the frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Then add softened butter and beat until fluffy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar along with vanilla extract—add cherry juice or purée if you want that extra pop of flavor!

Step 11: Assemble Your Cake

Now comes the fun part! Layer your cakes by spreading frosting and cherry filling between each layer. Once stacked up high, frost the top and sides of the entire cake with remaining frosting. Garnish with fresh cherries if desired—it’s all about presentation!

And there you have it—a stunning Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting that’s sure to delight everyone who tastes it! Enjoy every delicious slice!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Creating the perfect Cherry Layer Cake can be a delightful experience—here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Starting with butter, eggs, and milk at room temperature helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing until just combined helps maintain the cake’s light texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This helps avoid packing too much flour, which can make your cake dry.

• Cool cakes completely: Allowing your cakes to cool fully before frosting prevents melting and sliding. It also ensures that the flavors meld beautifully together.

• Chill the frosting if needed: If your cream cheese frosting is too soft, chilling it for about 15-20 minutes will make it easier to spread and shape on your cake.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Presenting your Cherry Layer Cake in an appealing way can enhance its charm. Here are some ideas on how to serve it up beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh cherries: Top each slice or the entire cake with fresh cherries for a pop of color and added freshness.
• Mint leaves: A few sprigs of mint not only add a beautiful contrast but also bring a refreshing aroma that complements the cherry flavor.
• Powdered sugar dusting: Lightly dusting powdered sugar over the top gives an elegant finish that looks stunning on any dessert table.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the tartness of cherries, providing a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
• Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream drizzled on top or served on the side adds an airy touch that balances the richness of the frosting.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a light counterpart to this rich dessert, enhancing your dining experience.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the cake while providing a comforting beverage option for guests.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to wow your family and friends with this delightful cherry layer cake! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a delightful treat for any occasion; it’s also perfect for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time and store it properly to enjoy later, ensuring you can indulge in this delicious cake whenever you please.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped cake in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each layer separately in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze layers for up to 3 months. For best results, frost the cake after thawing.

Reheating

• To serve chilled, simply remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• If you prefer a warm slice, microwave for about 10-15 seconds on low power.
• Enjoy as is or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious dessert.

Can I use frozen cherries for the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in your cake layers.

How should I store my Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

What can I substitute if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative or Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar as a frosting base. Just keep in mind the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I add more cherry flavor to the frosting?

Definitely! Adding more cherry juice or puréed cherries will enhance the flavor of your frosting. Just adjust the powdered sugar accordingly to maintain the right consistency.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings people together. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is sure to impress and delight everyone who gets a slice. Enjoy every moment spent baking and sharing this beautiful treat!