Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Baking a Cherry Layer Cake brings back vivid memories of family gatherings. The delightful aroma of sweet cherries and freshly baked cake always filled our kitchen. Each gathering featured a cake layered with rich frosting, adorned with glistening cherries. Everyone eagerly anticipated that moment when the first slice would reveal the vibrant layers beneath the smooth frosting.

Revisiting this cherished recipe, the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting stands out as a favorite. This cake embodies nostalgia and celebration, serving as a centerpiece for birthdays, holidays, or any joyous occasion. The combination of tender cake layers, luscious cherry filling, and a creamy frosting creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Creating this cake, from mixing the batter to frosting the layers, invites laughter and conversation. Each step, filled with anticipation, ultimately rewards bakers with a stunning dessert that dazzles both the eye and the palate. As you embark on this cherry-flavored adventure, get ready to impress your family and friends with a beautiful, delicious cake that brings everyone together.

Cherry Layer Cake Essentials

Fundamentals

Understanding the core components of Cherry Layer Cake will elevate your baking game. This classic dessert combines fluffy cake layers and creamy frosting, featuring rich cherry accents that bring a delightful sweetness. The simplicity of the recipe also allows for customization, encouraging bakers to make it uniquely theirs. Each layer showcases the harmony between sweet cherries and velvety cream cheese frosting.

Preparation/setup

Preparing your kitchen for this baking adventure sets the stage for success. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare three 9-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them. This essential step ensures that your cakes release easily once baked. Gather all the ingredients listed, making the mixing process seamless and enjoyable. With everything in place, you’re ready to create a masterpiece.

Ingredients

To create a Cherry Layer Cake, you’ll need a selection of simple yet essential ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cherry filling (canned or homemade)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cherry juice or syrup

Directions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the baking process.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
8. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cherry juice, mixing until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of cherry filling on top, and then add a layer of frosting. Repeat with the second layer and top with the final layer.
10. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the cream cheese frosting. Decorate with additional cherries if desired.

Cherry Cake Techniques

Technique

Mastering the technique makes a significant difference in baking success. When mixing your butter and sugar, ensure that you cream them well until light and fluffy. This step introduces air into the mix, creating a lighter, fluffier cake. As you incorporate the eggs, do so one at a time to ensure thorough blending.

Alternating between the flour mixture and milk while mixing keeps the batter from becoming heavy and encourages a tender crumb. This careful approach leads to perfectly baked layers that rise beautifully.

Tips/Tricks

Baking a stunning Cherry Layer Cake can be simplified with a few helpful tips. First, always measure your flour correctly, using a spoon to fluff it up before spooning it into your measuring cup. Too much flour can lead to a dense cake.

After baking, allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting. A warm cake can melt the frosting, leading to a less-than-ideal presentation. Finally, be generous with the cherry filling, as its sweetness and tanginess add another dimension to the cake’s flavor.

Elevating Your Cherry Layer Cake

Perfecting Results

Consistency in ingredients and technique produces the best results. Room temperature ingredients yield a smoother batter and better integration. Allow your cream cheese and butter to soften naturally on the counter before mixing. This simple act enhances the overall texture of your frosting.

If time permits, consider chilling your layers slightly before frosting. This step not only makes handling the layers easier, but it also results in cleaner edging when you frost the cake.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned in baking. If your cake layers domed while baking, simply slice the tops off before frosting for a flat surface. Should your frosting be too thick, add small amounts of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

For a different twist, experiment with flavoring your cake mix with almond extract instead of vanilla. Or, try to swap the cherry filling for raspberry or blueberry filling for a change of pace that maintains the essence of a layer cake.

Serving Your Cherry Layer Cake

Serving/presentation

Once your cake is beautifully frosted, it’s time to serve it. For presentation, place the cake on a decorative cake stand or a simple serving plate. Creating height with your layers makes a striking visual impact. Top with fresh cherries for added color and a hint of elegance that elevates your dessert.

Consider slicing the cake into generous portions, showcasing the vibrant layers that colorful cherry filling creates. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic touch.

Pairings/storage

Enjoying Cherry Layer Cake pairs well with a wide variety of beverages. It complements coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk, enhancing the sweetness of the cake.

When it comes to storage, keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. For an extended lifespan, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap followed by foil for up to three months.

With these tips, serve an irresistible Cherry Layer Cake that combines sweet nostalgia with delightful flavors, bringing joy to every gathering.

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