Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Luscious, juicy cherries and tangy, pillow-soft cream cheese frosting come together perfectly in this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine each bite bursting with fresh cherry flavor, rich buttery notes, and the irresistible tang of real cream cheese. Moist, vibrant, and endlessly celebratory, this cake transforms a simple gathering into something utterly delightful. Whether you’re baking for a loved one or simply indulging your sweet tooth, it’s a treat that delights both eyes and tastebuds with every vibrant slice.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple, pantry-friendly ingredients build layers of bright fruitiness and creamy decadence. Each item plays a key role, from lending moisture to amplifying color, so don’t skip a thing!

• Fresh or jarred cherries (1 1/2 cups, chopped): Sweet, juicy cherries add bursts of fruit flavor and a gorgeous pop of color to the cake itself.
• Eggs (3): Eggs bind everything together and help keep the crumb beautifully tender and light.
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened): This provides richness and keeps the cake wonderfully moist.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Just the right amount of milk keeps the crumb soft and tender.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): A small pinch enhances the sweetness and balances all the flavors.
• Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Vanilla infuses both the cake and frosting with irresistible warmth and aroma.
• Baking powder (2 tsp): Gives the cake its lovely rise and fluffiness.
• Flour (2 cups): The foundation for a perfect light, moist sponge.
• Sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens the cake just enough so the cherries shine through.
• Cherry puree (1/2 cup): Adds bold cherry flavor and a lovely blush to the frosting.
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The tangy base for that dreamy frosting.
• Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Smooths out the frosting and adds extra creaminess.
• Powdered sugar (2 1/2 cups): Gives the frosting its silky, spreadable texture.

How to Make Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Begin by creaming together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This simple step is what makes the cake so light, airy, and melt-in-your-mouth. Give it a good 3 to 4 minutes with your mixer on medium—those little air pockets will make all the difference!

Step 2: Mix in the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition so the batter stays silky smooth. Pour in the first teaspoon of vanilla extract, and you’ll start to smell the delicious, inviting aroma that will soon fill your kitchen. Let the batter come together into a luscious, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients and Alternate with Milk

In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, salt, and baking powder. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with splashes of milk. Start and finish with the flour. This gentle approach helps the batter stay tender and avoids overmixing, preserving that perfect, delicate crumb.

Step 4: Fold in Chopped Cherries and Bake

With the batter ready, gently fold in the freshly chopped cherries and watch those bright red bits dot the mix with promise. Pour everything into a greased baking pan (an 8 or 9-inch round or square pan works great). Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick emerges clean from the center. The aroma is bound to draw everyone into the kitchen!

Step 5: Cool the Cake Completely

Once baked, let the cake cool in its pan for about ten minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely. This pause gives the cake time to set up perfectly, ensuring the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting glides on smooth later.

Step 6: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat your cream cheese and softened butter until the mix is velvety and smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar, then stream in that gorgeous cherry puree and the second teaspoon of vanilla. Beat until fluffy and tinted the prettiest blush pink—you’ll want to swipe a taste immediately!

Step 7: Frost and Decorate Your Cake

Spread a generous layer of the cherry cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake. If you’re feeling fancy, swirl the top or pile on some extra cherries for eye-catching effect. The result? A Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting that looks as delicious as it tastes.

How to Serve Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, scatter a few extra fresh cherries across the top—stems and all, if you’re feeling playful. A sprinkle of finely grated dark chocolate or a handful of chopped pistachios also makes for a dazzling look and a hint of crunch. Edible flowers or even a dusting of powdered sugar will add a touch of elegance to your Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting.

Side Dishes

This cake shines all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a handful of mixed summer berries. For an afternoon tea party, serve alongside sparkling lemonade or a cup of fragrant Earl Grey.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking the cake as cupcakes for charming, individual servings. Alternatively, cut the cake into cubes and layer with whipped cream and extra cherries for irresistible cherry cake parfaits. Miniature trifles or cake pops using this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting are sure to delight both kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting keeps best in the refrigerator, where it will stay moist and flavorful for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container so the flavors remain fresh and the frosting doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped for up to two months. For frosted leftovers, freeze individual slices on a baking sheet, then wrap well and transfer to a container; thaw in the fridge before digging in.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy your cake slightly warm (who could blame you?), pop a slice in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds. This softens the crumb and highlights the buttery flavor, though for the best texture, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well so they don’t add too much moisture to the batter, and pat dry before chopping. They’ll still yield plenty of flavor in your Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting.

Is it possible to make the cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. Just check for any added binders or adjust liquids as needed for the best texture.

How do I make cherry puree for the frosting?

Simply blend pitted cherries (fresh or thawed frozen) in a food processor or blender until smooth. If you like, strain the puree for an extra-silky finish before mixing into your Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting.

What type of cream cheese works best?

Block-style full-fat cream cheese is ideal for a thick, creamy frosting that holds its shape, while spreadable varieties can make the frosting a bit softer.

Can I make this cake a day in advance?

Definitely! In fact, Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is often even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and let it sit out a bit before serving for the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about bringing a Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting to the table—every slice feels like a little celebration. If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that’s as pretty as it is delicious, this recipe is a must-try. Bake, share, and enjoy those bright, juicy cherry smiles!