Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of summer in every single bite. This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a cake it's a celebration of rich, vibrant flavors that dance on your palate.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience. Whether you're hosting a special occasion or craving a decadent treat, this cake promises to impress and delight everyone at the table.

Cherry Layer Cake: A Delectable Dessert Masterpiece

This isn't just another layer cake. Moreover, it's a carefully crafted dessert that brings together the sweet, tangy essence of cherries with a luxurious cream cheese frosting. The moist, tender cake layers are infused with pure cherry goodness, creating a dessert that's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

Get ready to create a showstopping cake that will become the centerpiece of your next gathering. Subsequently, your guests will be asking for the recipe before the first slice is even served.

Serving Suggestions:

Elevate your Cherry Layer Cake with these perfect pairings:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Additional fresh cherries
• Chocolate shavings
• Mint leaves for garnish

Pro Tips for Cherry Layer Cake Perfection:

Flour Power: Sift your flour to ensure a light, tender cake texture. This simple step prevents lumps and creates a more uniform crumb.

Cherry Brilliance: Use fresh or high-quality frozen cherries for the most intense flavor. Strain the puree well to prevent excess moisture.

Frosting Finesse: Allow cream cheese and butter to reach room temperature for the smoothest, most luxurious frosting.

Color Magic: Add a few drops of red food coloring for a vibrant cherry-red appearance, but this is entirely optional.

Cake Cooling Technique: Let cakes cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.

Cherry Layer Cake Recipe Details:

• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling time: 1-2 hours
• Servings: 12-16
• Equipment: Three 9-inch round cake pans, electric mixer, wire cooling racks

This cherry-inspired dessert brings together the perfect balance of sweet cake and tangy cream cheese frosting. Additionally, the cherry puree adds a unique depth of flavor that sets this cake apart from ordinary desserts.

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry puree (from fresh or frozen cherries)
• Red food coloring (optional)

For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup cherry puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cherries
• Mint leaves
• Chocolate shavings

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Carefully grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside this dry ingredient mixture for later use.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, creating a smooth and well-incorporated base.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture. Alternate between adding flour and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. This technique ensures a smooth, well-blended batter.
6. Gently fold in the cherry puree. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to enhance the cake's visual appeal. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops and ensure even baking.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
10. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
11. Add cherry puree and vanilla extract to the frosting. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.

Assembly Magic:

Place the first cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Carefully add the second layer and repeat. Finally, top with the third layer and frost the entire cake, covering the top and sides completely.

Storage Solutions:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month when wrapped tightly
• Best enjoyed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness

The Perfect Finale

Indulge in this Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, a dessert that promises to be the star of any meal. Each bite offers a perfect balance of moist cake, creamy frosting, and vibrant cherry flavor that will transport your taste buds to dessert paradise.

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