Description
A stunning Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for celebrations. Fluffy vanilla cake layers are filled with a homemade cherry compote and topped with a silky cherry cream cheese frosting. Finished with fresh cherries, it’s a festive treat with bright, fruity flavor and creamy richness.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
For the Cherry Filling:
3 cups (480g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 1/2 cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
1/2 cup cherry puree or cherry jam (strained if chunky)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
Fresh cherries with stems
Instructions
- Prepare the cherry filling: In a saucepan, cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat until softened. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Cool completely.
- Make the cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch pans. Cream butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk. Divide batter into pans and bake 22–26 minutes. Cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually, then cherry puree and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread cherry filling. Add another layer and repeat. Top with final cake layer.
- Frost the cake: Apply crumb coat and chill. Frost entire cake and smooth. Decorate with piped swirls and fresh cherries.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert