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Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
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A luscious Cherry Layer Cake featuring moist, tender cake layers infused with fresh cherries, topped with a velvety cherry cream cheese frosting. This perfectly balanced dessert combines sweet, tart, and creamy flavors, making it ideal for celebrations or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Cake Ingredients

  • Fresh cherries (amount as per preference, roughly 1 to 1.5 cups, chopped)
  • All-purpose flour – 2 ½ cups (or gluten-free flour blend as substitute)
  • Sugar – 1 ¾ cups
  • Butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
  • Eggs – 3 large
  • Baking powder – 2 ½ teaspoons
  • Vanilla extract – 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Milk – 1 cup
  • Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
  • Salt – ½ teaspoon

Frosting Ingredients

  • Cream cheese – 1 (8 oz) package, softened
  • Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), softened
  • Powdered sugar – 3 to 4 cups
  • Fresh cherries or cherry puree – ½ to ¾ cup, finely chopped or pureed
  • Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cherry Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the chopped fresh cherries gently to prevent color bleeding.
  2. Bake the Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans to maintain moisture and layer integrity.
  3. Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar while continuing to mix. Stir in the fresh cherry puree or finely chopped cherries along with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and spreadable.
  4. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of cherry cream cheese frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layer(s), then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Use a spatula or back of spoon to create a smooth or textured finish as desired.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least one hour to allow the frosting to set and flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature based on preference.

Notes

  • Use ripe, fresh cherries for the best flavor and moist texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
  • Start with cold cream cheese and butter to prevent runny frosting.
  • Level cake layers evenly with a serrated knife for a professional look.
  • Store the cake refrigerated to preserve freshness and frosting texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry cake, cream cheese frosting, layer cake, cherry dessert, moist cherry cake, gluten-free cherry cake, cherry cream cheese frosting, homemade cherry cake

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