If you have a soft spot for desserts that are both fruity and indulgently creamy, you are going to fall in love with this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s a luscious, moist cake that perfectly balances the sweet tartness of cherries with a smooth, velvety cream cheese frosting infused with real cherry flavor. This recipe offers a delightful twist on classic cherry desserts, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a weekend indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Fruity: Real cherries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness that make every bite refreshing.
Perfectly Moist: The cake’s texture stays tender and soft thanks to simple baking techniques and the right balance of ingredients.
Creamy and Tangy Frosting: The cherry cream cheese frosting adds a luscious richness with just the right hint of tartness.
Easy to Customize: You can easily swap cherries for other berries or adjust sweetness to your liking.
Great for Any Occasion: Elegantly simple, this cake works perfectly for birthdays, holidays, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward but essential ingredients that each play a key role in creating the perfect flavor and texture. From ripe cherries to smooth cream cheese, every component contributes to the cake’s delightful balance.

Fresh Cherries: Pitted and chopped for natural tartness and vibrant bursts of fruit.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures the cake is tender but sturdy.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise evenly for a light crumb.
Sugar: Balances the tartness of cherries with sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake batter.
Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add to the cake’s softness.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Cream Cheese: The base of the frosting, creating creamy tanginess.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for smooth spreading.
Cherry Jam or Puree: Mixed in the cream cheese frosting to infuse a delightful cherry flavor.
Milk or Heavy Cream: Adjusts frosting texture to creamy perfection.

Variations for Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

This Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Whether dietary needs or personal preferences guide you, it’s easy to tweak without losing the essence of the dessert.

Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for allergy-friendly baking.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and flax eggs to make it vegan-friendly.
Mixed Berry Twist: Replace cherries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a different fruit experience.
Almond Flavor Boost: Add almond extract to the batter and sprinkle sliced almonds on top for extra crunch.
Chocolate-Cherry Fusion: Incorporate cocoa powder in the batter for chocolate layers that pair beautifully with cherry frosting.

Cherry Cake with Creamy Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Delight

How to Make Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

Start by pitting and roughly chopping fresh cherries, setting aside a handful for garnish. This ensures your cake has juicy pockets bursting with cherry flavor and adds texture throughout.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, resulting in a tender and evenly risen cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which leads to a soft cake crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and a splash of milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in cherry jam or puree. Adjust the consistency with a little milk or heavy cream to make frosting smooth for spreading.

Step 8: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the cherry cream cheese frosting over the top and sides. Decorate with reserved cherries or additional toppings if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and a tender crumb.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake dense.
Fresh Cherries Are Best: Whenever possible, use fresh, ripe cherries for the richest flavor and best texture.
Chill Frosting Slightly: Refrigerate the cream cheese frosting briefly if it becomes too soft, making it easier to spread.
Check Cake Doneness Early: Oven temperatures vary, so start testing with a toothpick around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.

How to Serve Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Fresh cherry halves, a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios, or a dusting of powdered sugar all make stunning, tasty garnishes that add elegance and textural contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair this cherry cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement its creamy texture and fruity flavor, perfect for a full dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve on a decorative cake stand or slice it into petite squares for a charming tea party. You can also layer the cake with extra cherries between layers for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting fresh and the cake moist.

Freezing

Wrap cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before frosting or serving.

Reheating

If you prefer a slightly warm slice, remove frosting portions around the slice and warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then add frosting back on top.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The steps are straightforward and forgiving, perfect for bakers of all levels.

How long does the cherry cream cheese frosting last?

It’s best consumed within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend you can enjoy this dessert without gluten.

What if I don’t have cherry jam or puree for the frosting?

You can substitute with a few drops of cherry extract or finely chopped cherries blended into the frosting for flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a winner every time you make it. Its delightful balance of sweet cherries and tangy cream cheese frosting makes it a dessert that feels like a warm hug. I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with those you love – it’s sure to become a cherished favorite.

Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This luscious Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful dessert that beautifully balances the sweet tartness of fresh cherries with a creamy, velvety frosting infused with real cherry flavor. Perfect for any celebration or casual indulgence, this cake offers a delightful twist on classic cherry desserts with an easy-to-follow recipe and versatile customization options.

Instructions

Prepare the Cherries: Start by pitting and roughly chopping fresh cherries, setting aside a handful for garnish. This ensures your cake has juicy pockets bursting with cherry flavor and adds texture throughout.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly, resulting in a tender and evenly risen cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This process is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which leads to a soft cake crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: One at a time, add the eggs to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and a splash of milk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the chopped cherries, being careful not to overmix.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then fold in cherry jam or puree. Adjust the consistency with a little milk or heavy cream to make frosting smooth for spreading.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, generously spread the cherry cream cheese frosting over the top and sides. Decorate with reserved cherries or additional toppings if desired.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing and a tender crumb.
Gently fold ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can develop gluten and make the cake dense.
Fresh, ripe cherries provide the best flavor and texture.
If the frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate briefly to make spreading easier.
Start checking for doneness with a toothpick around 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.