Description
A delightful dessert combining the sweet and tart flavor of cherries with a rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Optional: 2-3 drops red food coloring
- Garnish: Whole maraschino cherries, grated chocolate, or sprinkles
Instructions
- 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.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and 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.
- To make the frosting, 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.
- To assemble the cake, place one layer on a serving plate and spread frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Garnish with whole maraschino cherries and optional toppings.
Notes
Best served at room temperature. Store in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cherry cake, cream cheese frosting, dessert, cake recipe, sweet treat