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There’s something undeniably delightful about a Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine layers of moist cake infused with the sweet and tangy flavor of cherries, topped with a creamy, dreamy frosting that’s just as delectable. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings a pop of color and a burst of flavor to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cherry Layer Cake is a showstopper at any gathering. Its soft, fluffy texture combined with the rich cherry flavor is bound to make it a favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, the holidays, or just a regular day, this cake is perfect. Plus, who can resist that luscious cherry cream cheese frosting?
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Wire racks
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups sifted cake flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ⅓ cup vegetable shortening
- 1½ cups sugar
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
- ¾ cup whole milk
- ¼ tsp almond extract
- 16 maraschino cherries, cut into eighths
- 5 egg whites, room temperature, stiffly beaten
For the Frosting:
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 6 cups confectionary sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Generously grease and flour two 9-inch round layer cake pans. Lining the bottoms with parchment paper is optional but recommended.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter, shortening, and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, about five minutes.
- In a liquid measuring cup, combine the milk, almond extract, and cherry juice.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and wet mixture to the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat well after each addition and fold in the cherries.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold in ⅓ of the egg whites to lighten the batter, then gently fold in the remaining egg whites.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cakes are springy to the touch.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges and turn them out onto the racks to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Cream together the butter and cream cheese with half of the confectionary sugar.
- Add the cherry juice and mix in enough of the remaining confectionary sugar to achieve your desired taste and consistency.
Tips for Success
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Be gentle when folding in egg whites to maintain airiness in the batter.
- Let the cake layers cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For an extra cherry kick, consider adding chopped cherries between the cake layers.
- Double the frosting recipe if you want to cover the sides of the cake generously.
- If traveling with the cake, keep the cherry pie filling separate and let guests add it themselves.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While exact values can vary, each serving of this cake is a delightful indulgence, balancing sweet cherries with creamy frosting for a truly satisfying treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but you may need to adjust the sweetness and liquid content.
Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers a day ahead and frost the cake on the day of serving.
Is there a substitute for almond extract?
You can use vanilla extract if you prefer or if there are allergy concerns.
Conclusion
This Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special celebration or just to satisfy a sweet craving, it’s sure to impress. Give it a try and let the layers of cherry goodness sweep you away. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures and how much you loved this cake!
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