Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cherry cake is bursting with flavor, thanks to the fresh or frozen cherries that are folded right into the batter, creating a subtle fruity sweetness in every bite. The cherry cream cheese frosting is the star of the show, offering a creamy texture with just the right balance of tart and sweet, which complements the cake perfectly. The combination of almond and vanilla extracts elevates the flavors, giving it a unique depth. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that looks impressive enough for any event.

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped

For the cherry cream cheese frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cherry preserves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and chopped cherries.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in the cherry preserves and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Frost the cooled cakes with the cherry cream cheese frosting.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12-16 slices
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a one-to-one replacement for best results.
• Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
• Different Frosting: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese frosting, try using a whipped buttercream or mascarpone frosting for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Fruit: You can enhance the cherry flavor by adding more cherries to the cake batter or even using a mix of berries like strawberries or raspberries for variety.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the cake to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
• Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice of cake, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can affect the frosting.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and chop them before adding them to the batter.

2. How can I make this cake more moist?

The cake is already quite moist due to the milk and butter. However, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for even more moisture.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time. Store the cooled cake layers in an airtight container for up to 2 days before frosting.

4. What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can skip the almond extract if you don’t have it. The vanilla extract alone will still give the cake great flavor.

5. How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You can also gently press on the center, and it should spring back.

6. Can I use other fruit for the frosting?

Yes, you can use other fruit preserves like strawberry, raspberry, or blackberry. Just make sure the preserves are smooth and not too chunky.

7. Is this cake suitable for birthdays?

Absolutely! This cherry cake is an excellent choice for birthdays, especially if the person loves fruity desserts. Its vibrant color and delicious flavor will impress guests.

8. Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can use buttercream frosting or a whipped cream topping for a lighter option.

9. How can I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom of the cake?

Toss the chopped cherries in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the cake.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger cake?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger cake. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as a larger cake will need a bit more time to bake through.

Conclusion

This cherry cake with cherry cream cheese frosting is a simple yet elegant dessert that is bursting with flavor. The combination of moist cake, sweet cherries, and tangy cream cheese frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant color and delicious taste.

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