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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 102 reviews

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert featuring moist, fluffy layers of vanilla cake studded with fresh cherries, layered and frosted with rich cherry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this cake balances sweet and tangy cherry flavors with a smooth, creamy frosting.

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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare 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.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes and is crucial for a tender cake.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the flour mixture and whole milk to the batter, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined to maintain a light texture.
  6. Divide and Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
  8. Prepare Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan, simmer the chopped cherries with 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar and a splash of lemon juice until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  9. Make Frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the softened butter and beat until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. If using, stir in cherry juice or puréed cherries for extra flavor and color.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Layer the cooled cakes by spreading a layer of cherry cream cheese frosting and spooning the cherry filling between each cake layer. Once stacked, frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting. Garnish with whole cherries if desired for decoration.

Notes

  • If fresh cherries are not available, frozen or canned cherries can be used. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid if using canned.
  • Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • For a more intense cherry flavor in the frosting, adjust the amount of cherry juice or purée added.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother batter and frosting.
  • Store the cake refrigerated due to the cream cheese frosting and bring to room temperature before serving for best taste.

Keywords: Cherry Layer Cake, Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, Layer Cake, Cherry Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Homemade Cake, Dessert

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