Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you love the sweet, nostalgic flavor of maraschino cherries swirled into a tender cake and topped with creamy, pink-hued frosting, this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is about to become your new dessert crush. This cake always stops the show at birthday parties and family dinners with its gorgeous color, delightful cherry flavor, and irresistibly tangy cream cheese topping. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just want to bake up something joyful and fun, this recipe is bursting with playful charm and luscious bites in every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has a little magic to offer – from creating the soft crumb to infusing that iconic pink color. Gather these simple staples and let them shine for a homemade treat that feels bakery-worthy.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and classic cake texture that holds our lovely layers together.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises evenly, giving each slice that perfect, fluffy bite.
- Salt: Just a touch balances out the sweetness and enhances the cherry flavors throughout.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich, buttery flavor and creates a soft, tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with that golden, lightly caramelized crust.
- Egg whites: Keep the cake light and white while adding structure without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract: Brings essential warmth and depth to both the cake and frosting.
- Almond extract: A tiny bit of this brings out the authentic cherry bakery taste.
- Whole milk: Moistens the batter, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Maraschino cherry juice: Colors and flavors both cake and frosting with that unmistakable cherry vibe.
- Chopped maraschino cherries (blotted dry): Little bites of real cherry in every forkful, and blotting them keeps the cake from getting soggy.
- Cream cheese (softened): The base of our rich, tangy, and silky smooth frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and makes every flavor pop just a bit more.
How to Make Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, which sets the stage for an even, consistent bake. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. This little step makes removing the finished cake a breeze and keeps the layers looking perfect.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures every bit of the batter gets the benefit of leavening and flavor, and avoids any pockets of dry ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is incredibly light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes and is crucial for a buoyant, delicate cake crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Extracts
Add the egg whites one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, which instantly make the batter smell like a cherry bakery dream.
Step 5: Combine Milk and Cherry Juice
In a liquid measuring cup, stir together whole milk and maraschino cherry juice. The combination not only tenderizes the cake but infuses it with a pale pink tone and subtle cherry flavor right from the start.
Step 6: Alternate Adding Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the flour mixture and milk mixture to the butter mixture in batches, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined; over-mixing can toughen the cake. The batter should be smooth and lightly pink.
Step 7: Fold in Maraschino Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped, blotted maraschino cherries. This ensures little nuggets of fruit are distributed throughout, creating fun bursts of cherry in every bite of the Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn them onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 9: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until completely smooth. Gradually blend in the powdered sugar, followed by maraschino cherry juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Keep beating until the frosting is light, fluffy, and perfectly pink. Add a drop of food coloring at this stage if you want extra vibrancy.
Step 10: Frost and Chill
Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread a thick, decadent layer of frosting between them, then cover the top and sides. For neater slices, let the whole cake chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. Now, bask in the glory of your gorgeous Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe!
How to Serve Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, top the frosted cake with whole maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of colorful nonpareils. A few shavings of white or dark chocolate add elegance, and fresh mint leaves make the colors pop beautifully on the table.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs fantastically with a bowl of tart fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re serving it for a party, consider small cups of whipped cream or even a tangy fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthdays or baby showers, pipe little swirls or rosettes of extra frosting around the borders, or slice the cake into small squares for bite-sized treats. Thin wedges look elegant on vintage china, and a cake stand turns this dessert into a true centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep the frosting fresh and the crumb moist.
Freezing
If you need to make your cake in advance, you can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to two months, tightly wrapped in plastic and aluminum foil. Frosted slices or whole cakes can also be frozen, just be sure to wrap them well and let them thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
Enjoy this cake chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture. If you like your cake slightly warm, microwave an individual slice for about 10 seconds, but be careful not to melt the frosting too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
You can substitute fresh cherries if you pit and chop them, but keep in mind the flavor and signature color of this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe comes from maraschino cherries and their juice. It may not have the same vibrant pink result with fresh fruit.
What if I don’t have two 8-inch cake pans?
No problem! You can use a single 9 by 13-inch pan or even make cupcakes. Just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on doneness with a toothpick.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cherry cream cheese frosting can be made up to 2 days in advance, stored in the fridge, and re-whipped briefly before using to restore its fluffy texture.
Do I have to chill the cake before slicing?
Chilling helps the frosting set so you get those ideal, picture-perfect slices, especially if you want clean edges. But if you can’t wait, go ahead and slice – it will just be a bit softer and more rustic-looking.
How can I make the frosting a brighter pink?
If you want a super bold color, add a drop or two of red or pink gel food coloring when mixing the frosting. It’s totally optional, but so fun for festive occasions!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a joyful and delightful dessert that feels as celebratory as it tastes, give this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a try. It’s a special treat for anyone who loves cherries, fluffy cake, and luscious, tangy frosting – and I guarantee every slice will earn rave reviews from your family and friends. Happy baking!
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Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. This moist and tender cake is studded with maraschino cherries and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting infused with cherry goodness. Perfect for any special occasion or simply when you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- â…” cup whole milk
- â…“ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (blotted dry)
For the frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: In a measuring cup, combine the milk and cherry juice. Add the dry ingredients and milk mixture to the butter mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Bake the cakes: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cherry juice, vanilla, and salt. Beat until light and fluffy.
- Frost the cake: Frost the cooled cake layers, then chill for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Notes
- Blot cherries well before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
- For a brighter pink color, add a drop of food coloring to the frosting if desired.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
