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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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

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