Dreamy cherry layer cake with cherry cream cheese frosting on a white plate

why make this recipe

This Dreamy Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that fits perfectly for any celebration. It combines the soft and fluffy texture of cake with the sweet and tart flavor of cherries, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, this cake is sure to impress.

how to make Dreamy Cherry Layer Cake With Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

3 cups sifted cake flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
⅓ cup vegetable shortening
1½ cups sugar
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
¾ cup whole milk
¼ teaspoon almond extract
16 maraschino cherries, cut into eighths
5 egg whites, room temperature, stiffly beaten
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
6 cups confectioner sugar

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, mix the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the butter and vegetable shortening together with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the maraschino cherry juice, milk, and almond extract, and mix until the batter is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until incorporated. Gently stir in the chopped maraschino cherries.
Fold the stiffly beaten egg whites into the batter in three additions, using gentle movements to keep the air bubbles.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 23-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the cherry juice and confectioner sugar. Beat until light and fluffy.

how to serve Dreamy Cherry Layer Cake With Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve this cake at room temperature. You can stack the layers and then spread the cherry cream cheese frosting between each layer and on top of the cake. Decorate with extra maraschino cherries for a beautiful presentation.

how to store Dreamy Cherry Layer Cake With Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you have un-frosted cake layers, you can wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.

tips to make Dreamy Cherry Layer Cake With Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Make sure your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature to ensure a smooth frosting.
Do not overmix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients to keep the cake light and fluffy.
For a stronger cherry flavor, consider adding more maraschino cherry juice to the frosting.

variation (if any)

For a different twist, you can use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries. You can also swap the almond extract for vanilla extract for a more classic flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the cake may not be as light and fluffy.

2. How do I make the cake gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free cake flour blend to substitute for regular cake flour in this recipe.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and store them without frosting for a couple of days. Just frost the cake on the day you plan to serve it for best results.