If you have a soft spot for desserts that combine rich flavors and stunning visuals, this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is your new best friend in the kitchen. Bursting with juicy cherries and wrapped in a velvety cream cheese frosting infused with cherry essence, this cake is both elegant and irresistibly moist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cherry layer cake delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with layers that melt in your mouth and a frosting that’s pure delight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vibrant Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tart cherries and creamy frosting that’s simply unforgettable.
Moist, Fluffy Layers: The cake layers stay tender and light, making it easy to slice and enjoy without crumbling.
Perfect for Celebrations: Its stunning appearance and decadent taste make it a showstopper at any party or gathering.
Balanced Sweetness: The cherry cream cheese frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness with a subtle tang.
Customizable and Adaptable: Easily tweak ingredients or decorations to match your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting to create a rich and inviting dessert. Each component plays an important role, from the cherries providing freshness to the cream cheese frosting delivering creamy texture and flavor.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cake’s soft crumb and structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Essential for helping the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the layers just enough to balance the cherry tartness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake texture.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together while contributing to the moist crumb.
Milk and sour cream: Both moisture providers that ensure the cake stays fluffy and moist.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the cherry notes.
Fresh or frozen cherries: The star ingredient for juicy bursts of flavor inside the cake.
Cream cheese: The base for the luscious frosting, lending tang and creaminess.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting perfectly.
Cherry preserves or jam: Mixed into the cream cheese frosting to amplify cherry goodness.

Variations for Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting invites creativity. Whether you want to add a personal twist or accommodate dietary preferences, there are plenty of easy ways to make this cake your own without compromising its charm.

Use frozen cherries: When fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen works wonderfully—just be sure to drain excess liquid.
Almond extract addition: Swap some vanilla for almond extract to deepen the cake’s flavor profile.
Gluten-free adaptation: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and delicious alternative.
Vegan substitution: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based milk with flax eggs to make a vegan-friendly version.
Chocolate-Cherry combo: Add cocoa powder to the cake layers for a chocolate and cherry fusion dessert.

Irresistible Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven and greasing two 8-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Alternate adding the flour mixture with milk and sour cream, blending until just combined. Gently fold in chopped fresh or thawed cherries for bursts of fruity flavor throughout your cake.

Step 2: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake at the specified temperature until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely—this cooling step ensures your frosting won’t melt when applied.

Step 3: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a mixer bowl, beat softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating continuously until fluffy. Stir in cherry preserves or jam to infuse the frosting with natural cherry sweetness and a beautiful rosy hue. Taste and adjust the jam quantity for desired sweetness or tartness.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of cherry cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully position the second cake layer over it and cover the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula for smooth, even coverage or rustic swirls—whichever look you prefer.

Step 5: Decorate and Chill

For an extra touch, garnish with whole cherries or chopped nuts on top. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the frosting firm up before slicing and serving.

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

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are at room temperature for smooth blending and better texture.
Drain cherries well: Whether fresh or frozen, draining excess moisture prevents soggy cake layers.
Don’t overmix batter: Mix just until combined to avoid dense or tough cake layers.
Chill frosting before spreading: This helps prevent it from becoming too soft while decorating.
Use an offset spatula: For clean frosting edges and smooth finishes on your layered cake.

How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Add fresh halved cherries, edible flowers, or a dusting of powdered sugar on top for eye-catching, tasty decoration. Toasted almond slices also add a nice crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce to elevate the dessert experience and complement the cake’s fruity richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your cherry layer cake into petite squares and serve on fancy dessert plates with cherry syrup drizzle for an elegant touch. Alternatively, turn it into individual mini cakes in ramekins for more personalized servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your remaining cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and moisture.

Freezing

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic and foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Although it’s best enjoyed chilled, if you prefer a warmer slice, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving—avoid microwaving as it may affect the frosting texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, canned cherries work in a pinch, but make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the cake batter.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture and structure.

How long does the frosting stay fresh?

The cream cheese frosting is best consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator to maintain its flavor and texture.

Can I prepare this cake a day in advance?

Yes, the cake actually benefits from resting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and making slicing easier.

What’s a good substitute for cherry preserves in the frosting?

You can use homemade cherry compote, raspberry jam, or even a spoonful of cherry syrup to achieve similar cherry flavor in the frosting.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting truly brings joy to any dessert table with its delightful balance of flavors and irresistible texture. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds. Don’t wait to try this fabulous recipe and share a slice of happiness with your loved ones!

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Print Recipe

This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a luscious, moist dessert featuring tender cake layers bursting with juicy cherries, layered and frosted with a velvety cherry-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or indulgent everyday treats, it balances sweet and tangy flavors with a beautiful appearance and delightful texture.

Author: Emilly
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract (or replace some with almond extract if desired)
1 cup milk
½ cup sour cream
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, chopped and well drained

For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese for vegan option)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
½ cup cherry preserves or jam (or substitute with homemade cherry compote, raspberry jam, or cherry syrup)

Optional Garnishes:

Whole fresh cherries
Chopped nuts (such as toasted almonds)
Edible flowers
Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract (or almond extract if desired). Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk with sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined and gently fold in the chopped, drained cherries.
Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents frosting from melting when applied.
Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixer bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fluffy. Stir in cherry preserves or jam until evenly combined. Taste and adjust the amount of jam for desired sweetness and tartness.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of cherry cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully place the second cake layer over the first and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Use an offset spatula for smooth coverage or create rustic swirls for a charming look.
Decorate and Chill: Garnish the cake with whole cherries, chopped nuts, or edible flowers if desired. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld and frosting to firm up before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs to ensure smooth blending and a better texture.
Drain cherries well to avoid soggy cake layers, especially if using frozen or canned cherries.
Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined to prevent dense or tough layers.
Chill frosting slightly before spreading to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Use an offset spatula for cleaner frosting edges and professional appearance.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 38g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: cherry cake, cherry layer cake, cream cheese frosting, cherry cream cheese frosting, cherry dessert, layered cake, celebration cake, gluten-free cherry cake