Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delicious and vibrant dessert perfect for cherry lovers. The cake is moist and full of cherry flavor, complemented by a tangy and sweet cream cheese frosting. Here’s a recipe to make this delightful cake:
Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cherry Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cherry juice (from maraschino cherries or cherry juice)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped and drained (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cherry juice (from maraschino cherries or cherry juice)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Maraschino cherries for decoration (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and cherry juice. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
- Mix in the cherry juice and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a layer of cherry cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cherry cream cheese frosting.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Garnish the cake with additional maraschino cherries on top if desired. You can also add a few fresh cherry halves or sprinkles for extra flair.
- Serve:
- Slice and serve the cherry cake. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea!
Tips
- Chopping Cherries: Make sure the chopped cherries are well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the cake batter.
- Cherry Juice: If using fresh cherries, you can use cherry juice or even a bit of cherry liqueur for the frosting to enhance the flavor.
- Cake Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cake may become even more flavorful as it sits.
This Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat that brings a burst of cherry flavor to your dessert table. Enjoy the combination of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors!