Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting offers a moist, fruity treat topped with smooth, tangy frosting that melts in your mouth. This delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness of cherries with luscious cream cheese frosting infused with cherry flavor, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture that’s sure to impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist Texture: The cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to fresh cherries and well-balanced ingredients.
- Bright, Fruity Flavor: Real cherry pieces inside the cake bring bursts of natural sweetness and freshness.
- Tangy Frosting Complement: The cherry cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, slightly tangy finish that elevates every bite.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or simple treat, this cake fits perfectly.
- Easy to Customize: The recipe adapts well to variations, so you can make it your own without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to the overall flavor, texture, and appearance of the Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. You’ll find it simple to gather these essentials, and the quality of each adds a special touch to this classic favorite.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base and structure for a tender crumb.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Ensure the cake rises perfectly, giving it a light texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter without overwhelming the cherry flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture for a soft, satisfying crumb.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with leavening.
- Fresh or Frozen Cherries: The star ingredient giving that unmistakable cherry burst in every bite.
- Buttermilk: Adds subtle tang and helps activate leavening agents.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Key for making smooth, tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the cake.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the ideal consistency.
- Cherry Juice or Preserves: Infused in the frosting to deepen the cherry flavor and add a lovely pink hue.
Variations for Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak based on your dietary needs, available ingredients, or flavor preferences. Feel free to get creative and make this cake your own signature dessert.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a safe and delicious alternative.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs, and dairy-free cream cheese to keep it fully vegan.
- Chocolate-Cherry Twist: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a rich chocolate base complemented by cherries.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans into the batter or as a topping for extra crunch.
- Mini Cupcakes: Bake the batter in cupcake tins for charming, individual servings perfect for parties.
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How to Make Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by measuring out all the ingredients precisely. Chop the cherries if they’re large and drain any excess juice if using frozen to prevent a soggy batter.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures an even distribution of your leavening agents throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that tender crumb and adds airiness to the cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each to fully incorporate. Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm, aromatic notes.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Fold in the cherries gently to avoid bruising them.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a prepared cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in cherry juice or preserves for that signature cherry flavor and soft pink color.
Step 8: Frost and Decorate
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Add fresh cherries or sprinkles for a delightful final touch.
Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and butter so they blend smoothly for a better batter.
- Drain Cherries Well: Prevent sogginess by thoroughly draining frozen cherries or patting fresh cherries dry.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold cherries in gently to avoid crushing, which can discolor the batter.
- Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to maintain consistent baking temperature for even cooking.
- Chill Frosting Slightly: If your frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before spreading for easier handling.
How to Serve Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Fresh cherries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of toasted almonds make beautiful garnishes that add texture and eye appeal without overpowering the flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience. Fresh fruit salad can also complement the fruity notes of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this cake into stunning layered mini cakes for individual servings, or create a cherry trifle by layering cake pieces with frosting and additional cherries in a glass dish for a show-stopping dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep the cake covered tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 4 days. Ideally, use an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Freezing
The cake layers freeze well when wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag. Freeze frosting separately to maintain quality. Thaw both overnight in the fridge before assembling and serving.
Reheating
Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) to refresh the cake’s softness, but avoid reheating the frosting to maintain its texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, but be sure to drain canned cherries very well to avoid excess moisture that can affect the cake’s texture.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! The sweet cherry flavor and creamy frosting make it a hit with children and adults alike.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap butter and cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives, and use plant-based milk in place of buttermilk, making this recipe suitable for dairy-free diets.
How long does this cake stay fresh at room temperature?
Due to the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to keep the cake refrigerated and consume within 4 days for optimal freshness.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and adjust baking time as needed, checking doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly memorable dessert, Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting checks all the boxes with its moist crumb, delightful cherry flavor, and luscious frosting. It’s a recipe that invites you to enjoy baking and sharing with loved ones—so why not give it a try today and create some sweet moments yourself?
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Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert bursting with fresh cherry pieces and topped with a smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting infused with cherry flavor. Perfectly balanced between fruity sweetness and creamy richness, this cake is ideal for celebrations or cozy nights in, offering a delightful treat that’s easy to customize and sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, chopped and drained
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp cherry juice or cherry preserves
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure out all ingredients precisely. Chop cherries if large and drain excess juice if frozen to prevent sogginess.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda to ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create a tender, airy crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract for aromatic flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the drained cherries to avoid bruising.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour batter into a prepared cake pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: While cake cools, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar to desired sweetness and thickness, then fold in cherry juice or preserves for flavor and color.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cake is completely cooled, evenly spread frosting over the top. Garnish with fresh cherries or sprinkles as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and smoother batter.
- Drain cherries thoroughly to prevent a soggy cake texture.
- Fold cherries gently to avoid crushing and discoloring the batter.
- Check oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure even baking.
- If frosting is too soft, refrigerate for 10-15 minutes before spreading.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg