Description
Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cherry Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
½ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (pat them dry)
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2-3 drops red food coloring (for a pink hue)
Garnish:
Whole maraschino cherries (with stems)
Grated chocolate or sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a measuring cup, combine the milk and maraschino cherry juice.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk-cherry juice mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
2. Bake the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract. Add food coloring if desired for a pinker frosting.
4. Assemble the Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
Garnish with whole maraschino cherries and optional toppings like grated chocolate or sprinkles.
Serving
Slice and serve this cherry-packed delight! It’s a perfect dessert for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any cherry lover.
Let me know if you’d like tips for variations or substitutions!
#lovealletherecipes #dessert
