Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting: A Symphony of Sweet Elegance

Step into the world of sweet indulgence with our Cherry Layer Cake—a heavenly creation that brings together the lusciousness of cherries and the delightful richness of cream cheese frosting. This symphony of flavors is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes with its vibrant layers and elegant design. Join us on a culinary journey as we guide you through crafting this delectable Cherry Layer Cake, topped with a dreamy Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cherry Cake Layers:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup cherry puree (made from fresh or frozen cherries)

For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cherry puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For the Keto Cherry Cake Layers:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated erythritol or your preferred keto sweetener
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup cherry puree (made from fresh or frozen cherries)

For the Keto Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups powdered erythritol or your preferred keto sweetener
  • 1/2 cup cherry puree
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Crafting the Cherry Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
  6. Fold in Cherry Puree: Gently fold in the cherry puree until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
  7. Divide and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Incorporate Cherry Puree and Vanilla: Mix in the cherry puree and vanilla extract until the frosting is smooth and well combined.

For the Keto and Low-Carb Version:

Crafting the Keto Cherry Cake Layers:

  1. Preheat the Keto Oven: Follow the same preheating instructions as above for the keto version.
  2. Combine Keto Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Keto Cream Butter and Sweetener: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated erythritol until light and fluffy.
  4. Add Keto Eggs and Vanilla: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  5. Alternate Keto Dry and Wet Ingredients: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  6. Fold in Keto Cherry Puree: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  7. Divide and Keto Bake: Divide the keto batter evenly among the prepared keto cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Making the Keto Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

  1. Keto Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  2. Gradually Add Keto Sugar: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.
  3. Incorporate Keto Cherry Puree and Vanilla: Follow the same instructions as above for the keto version.

Cook Notes

  • Cherry Puree Consistency: Ensure the cherry puree is smooth and free of chunks for a velvety texture in both the cake batter and frosting.
  • Even Cake Layers: To achieve even cake layers, tap the filled cake pans on the counter to release any air bubbles before baking.
  • Keto Sweetener Adjustments: Taste and adjust the sweetness of the keto components to suit your preferences. Different keto sweeteners may have varying sweetness levels.

Variations

Keto Version:

  • Keto Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed keto-friendly nuts (like almonds or pecans) into the keto cake batter for added crunch.
  • Keto Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted sugar-free chocolate over the top of the keto cake for a decadent touch.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Low-Carb Citrus Infusion: Add a hint of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the low-carb cake batter for a refreshing twist.
  • Low-Carb Berry Burst: Top the low-carb cake with a medley of fresh berries for a burst of fruity flavor.

Assembling the Cherry Layer Cake:

  1. Cool the Cake Layers: Allow the cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.
  2. Layering the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread a layer of cherry cream cheese frosting over it. Repeat with the remaining layers.
  3. Frosting the Exterior: Frost the entire cake with the remaining cherry cream cheese frosting, ensuring an even and smooth finish.
  4. Decorate as Desired: Decorate the cake with additional cherries, grated chocolate, or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

The Elegance of Cherry Layer Cake

The Cherry Layer Cake is a testament to the elegance found in the harmonious pairing of cherries and cream cheese. Each slice is a journey through layers of moist cake and luscious frosting, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.

Navigating Dietary Preferences

In the realm of dietary preferences, this recipe graciously adapts to different lifestyles. The classic version captures the essence of a traditional cherry layer cake, while the keto and low-carb adaptations offer alternatives that align with specific dietary goals. Whether you’re savoring the classic or exploring the keto and low-carb twists, the Cherry Layer Cake is a celebration of versatile decadence.

Savoring the Symphony

As you savor each exquisite bite of Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll find yourself immersed in the symphony of sweet elegance. The cherry-infused layers and velvety frosting create a dessert experience that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to indulge in the art of decadence.

the Sweet Symphony

In conclusion, the Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is not just a recipe; it’s a sweet symphony that elevates dessert to new heights. Whether you choose the classic version or embark on the keto and low-carb variations, may each forkful be a celebration of the harmonious marriage found in the union of cherries and cream cheese.

So, preheat those ovens, blend those batters, and layer on that frosting. As you savor the Cherry Layer Cake, may it be a dessert journey that delights the senses and creates moments of pure sweetness. Happy baking and bon appétit!