Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and tender cake bursting with rich cherry flavors in both the layers and the luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or cozy treats, this cake features real cherries, a tangy cream cheese frosting infused with cherry, and a beautiful presentation that makes it a showstopper dessert everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, chopped
Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese alternative)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter alternative)
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh cherries or cherry preserves
Optional Garnishes
- Whole fresh cherries
- Sliced toasted almonds
- Edible flowers
Instructions
- Prepare the Cherry Batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two or three cake pans with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing gently each time. Fold in chopped fresh or thawed frozen cherries evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cakes are lightly golden and springy to the touch. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and fold in finely chopped cherries or cherry preserves until well incorporated and the frosting turns a pretty pink hue.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cherry cream cheese frosting evenly on top. Repeat with remaining cake layers. Finish by coating the entire cake in a thick layer of frosting. Smooth with a spatula or create decorative swirls as desired.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate the top with whole fresh cherries, toasted almonds, or edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the frosting and allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter and frosting without lumps.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep cake layers tender and light.
- Reserve some cherries for garnish or to swirl into the frosting before spreading.
- Chill frosting slightly before spreading to achieve perfect consistency.
- Allow cakes to cool completely to prevent frosting from melting or sliding off.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: cherry layer cake, cherry cream cheese frosting, cherry cake, gluten-free cherry cake, cherry dessert, layered cake