If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine three moist, tender layers infused with maraschino cherry juice and studded with juicy cherries, perfectly complemented by a luscious cream cheese frosting that carries just a hint of cherry flavor. It’s a showstopper dessert you’ll want to make not just for special occasions but any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something unforgettable. Let me walk you through making this delightful cake that balances sweetness, tanginess, and that irresistible cherry charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving in, it’s wonderful to see how straightforward and wholesome the ingredients for this cake are. Each one plays a crucial role: from the flour providing structure, to the maraschino cherry juice giving that unique cherry allure, and the cream cheese frosting bringing creamy, dreamy richness to every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2½ cups + 2 tbsp): The foundation of your cake, with extra to dust cherries so they blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Baking powder (3 teaspoons): Helps your layers rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the cherry flavors.
- Egg whites (6 large, room temperature): Adds lightness and a tender texture without heaviness.
- Maraschino cherry juice (2/3 cup + 2 tbsp): Infuses the cake and frosting with that signature cherry tang and color.
- Whole milk (¾ cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and richness for a perfectly tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Deepens the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
- Unsalted butter (¾ cup + 1 cup softened): Provides creamy fat that ensures moist cake layers and silky frosting.
- Granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the cake just right without overpowering the cherries.
- Sour cream (½ cup, room temperature): Adds subtle tang and keeps the cake ultra moist.
- Maraschino cherries (20): The star ingredient that adds bursts of cherry flavor and vibrant color inside the layers and on top.
- Cream cheese (16 ounces, room temperature): Creates that luxurious, tangy frosting that perfectly pairs with the cherry cake.
- Powdered sugar (8 cups): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to a smooth, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease three 8- or 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper to ensure your layers come out cleanly and intact. This step sets you up for perfectly shaped cake layers.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed for a consistent rise and flavor throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites, maraschino cherry juice, whole milk, and vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and that subtle cherry essence right into the batter.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Then, mix in the sour cream until fully combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all the buttery goodness evenly.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend just until combined. Next, pour in the wet egg white mixture and gently mix until smooth. Finish by folding in the remaining dry ingredients. This method keeps the batter tender and your cake layers soft.
Step 6: Add the Cherries
Toss the maraschino cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent them from sinking while baking, then fold them into the batter. This little trick ensures your cherries are evenly distributed, gifting every bite with juicy pops of flavor.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake Layers
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; when it comes out clean, your cakes are ready. Allow the layers to cool in the pans for five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Prepare the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice to infuse that irresistible cherry flavor into your frosting. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until you achieve a fluffy, thick consistency perfect for spreading and piping.
Step 9: Assemble Your Cake
Place one cake layer on your serving plate, spread roughly half a cup of frosting over it, and layer the next cake on top. Repeat with frosting and the final cake layer. Then frost the sides evenly. For the finishing touch, pipe decorative frosting swirls atop and garnish with whole maraschino cherries. Chill the cake until ready to serve to let those flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your cake pop visually, decorate it with fresh cherries or even some lightly toasted almond slivers for texture contrast. Fresh mint leaves can add a refreshing color contrast and scent that pairs wonderfully with the cherry and cream cheese flavors.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a simple vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For something a little different, try serving alongside a tart berry compote to enhance the cherry theme with extra fruity brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, create mini versions of this Cherry Layer Cake in cupcake tins or make a naked cake by gently frosting just the top and sides to reveal the cherry-speckled layers inside. Another idea is to drizzle a homemade cherry glaze over the top to elevate its glossy cherry charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your cherry layer cake with cherry cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator. Properly covered, it stays fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect treat to enjoy slowly or share with friends over a few days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake layers baked but unfrosted by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, but if you’d like a softer texture after refrigeration, simply let the slice sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving as it could affect the frosting texture and overall taste.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but since they’re less sweet and more watery, it’s best to pit and chop them finely and toss in a little flour to prevent sinking. You might also want to adjust the sugar in the cake slightly to balance the tartness.
What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?
Absolutely! Plain Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can be excellent substitutes, offering similar tanginess and moisture that keep the cake tender and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use egg whites only?
Using only egg whites helps keep the cake light and airy. If you prefer, you can use whole eggs, but the texture might be slightly denser. Separating eggs is a small step for such a delicate crumb!
How do I make sure my cherry cream cheese frosting stays smooth?
Make sure both your cream cheese and butter are fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat them well until creamy before slowly adding powdered sugar, and scrape down the bowl sides often to prevent lumps.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend that contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to maintain the cake’s structure and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that makes every celebration a little brighter and every ordinary day a bit sweeter. It’s a dessert that’s approachable, bursting with genuine cherry flavor, and always brings smiles around the table. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself because once you do, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire!
Print
Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Total Time: 53 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Cherry Layer Cake featuring moist cherry-infused cake layers paired with a luscious cherry cream cheese frosting. This cake is perfect for celebrations or any occasion that calls for a sweet, fruity dessert with a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 2½ cups all purpose flour (+ another 2 tablespoons for dusting cherries)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 large egg whites (room temperature)
- 2/3 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 20 maraschino cherries
Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened at room temperature)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 8 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside this dry mixture for later.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites, maraschino cherry juice, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Then add the sour cream and mix until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Batter: Add half of the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Next, add the egg white mixture and mix thoroughly. Finally, incorporate the remaining dry ingredients and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Prepare Cherries and Add to Batter: Toss the maraschino cherries with 2 tablespoons of flour to coat them evenly; this helps prevent sinking in the batter. Gently fold these cherries into the cake batter to distribute them evenly.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for about 5 minutes. Then carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add cherry juice and mix until fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving or decorating plate. Spread about half a cup of cherry cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting. Place the third layer on top and cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Pipe additional frosting on top as desired and garnish with maraschino cherries for decoration.
- Chill and Serve: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are brought to room temperature for best results and smooth batter consistency.
- Tossing cherries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake layers during baking.
- Use an 8-inch or 9-inch pan depending on your preference for cake height; baking times may slightly vary.
- This cake should be stored in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting.
- For a more intense cherry flavor, adjust the amount of maraschino cherry juice in the frosting to taste.
