Blissful Cherry Layer Cake With Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

A rainy afternoon tends to slow everything down in the best way. The windows fog up, the outside world goes quiet, and the kitchen suddenly feels like the center of everything.

On one of those gray afternoons, baking felt less like a task and more like a pause button. A grocery store clerk had convinced me earlier that day to grab an extra bag of cherries because they were at their peak, and they sat on the counter like a reminder to do something comforting.

The mixer came out, music played low, and the whole apartment smelled faintly of butter and sugar before the oven was even warm. Between answering a text from a friend and wiping flour off the counter, the batter came together slowly, almost lazily.

There’s a certain calm that shows up when you’re stacking cake layers, smoothing frosting, and not rushing anything. By the time the cake was finished, the rain had softened into mist, and the kitchen looked like a tiny bakery that had taken its time. This cake felt like that moment captured in dessert form. Soft, pink-tinged layers, creamy frosting, and cherries tucked into every bite.

Short Description

A tender cherry-studded layer cake finished with smooth cherry cream cheese frosting, balancing sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors in every slice.

Key Ingredients

• 2½ cups all purpose flour
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
• 2 cups cherries, pitted and chopped

Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup cherry juice or puréed cherries

Tools Needed

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Three 8 inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Wire cooling racks
• Offset spatula

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 8 inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and helps the layers release cleanly.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar for 3 to 5 minutes until light, fluffy, and pale. This step builds the cake’s soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold the chopped cherries into the batter. The batter should be thick and evenly speckled.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 22 to 27 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly.

Step 8: Cool Completely
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Cakes must be fully cool before frosting.

Step 9: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Simmer chopped cherries with 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar and a splash of lemon juice until slightly thickened. Cool completely before using.

Step 10: Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and beat until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix in cherry juice or purée until lightly pink and creamy.

Step 11: Assemble the Cake
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting and a thin layer of cherry filling. Repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top and sides evenly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced Sweetness: Cherries add natural brightness that keeps the cake from feeling heavy.

Soft and Moist Texture: Creamed butter and milk create tender layers.

Bakery Style Look: Layered frosting and cherry filling make it visually impressive.

Make Ahead Friendly: The cake holds up beautifully when prepared in advance.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dense Cake Layers: This happens when the batter is overmixed. Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined.

Sliding Layers: Warm cakes or runny filling cause slipping. Cool everything completely before assembling.

Grainy Frosting: Cold cream cheese can cause lumps. Let it soften fully at room temperature.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve slices with fresh cherries on the side.

Pair with hot coffee, black tea, or lightly sweetened iced tea.

Present on a cake stand for gatherings or slice and plate individually for a polished look.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Bring slices to room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

Avoid microwaving to preserve frosting texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, thaw and drain them well before chopping.

2. Can this cake be made ahead?
Yes, bake layers a day ahead and frost before serving.

3. What if I don’t want cherry juice in the frosting?
Skip it for a classic cream cheese frosting.

4. Can I use two cake pans instead of three?
Yes, increase baking time slightly and check for doneness.

5. How do I keep the frosting smooth?
Beat slowly after adding powdered sugar and scrape the bowl often.

Tips & Tricks

Toss cherries lightly in flour before folding to prevent sinking.

Use an offset spatula dipped in warm water for smooth frosting.

Chill the cake briefly between frosting layers for clean edges.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Cherry Version: Replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings between layers.

Almond Cherry Cake: Add ½ tsp almond extract and garnish with sliced almonds.

Lighter Frosting: Use whipped cream cheese and reduce powdered sugar by ½ cup for a softer finish.

Final Thoughts

This cake feels like a quiet afternoon turned into something you can slice and share. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t rush you, from mixing the batter to spreading the frosting. Each layer carries a little sweetness and a little tang, and together they feel balanced and thoughtful. Making it felt grounding, almost meditative, in the middle of a busy week.

The cherries give it personality without overpowering the softness of the cake. It’s beautiful without being fussy, which always feels like a win. This is the sort of bake that invites you to slow down and enjoy the process. And when the last slice is gone, the memory of it lingers just as nicely.