Cherry Layer Cake – No-Fail Cherry Cake
This Cherry Layer Cake is the ultimate no-fail cherry cake recipe—light, fluffy, and bursting with real cherry flavor! Made with fresh or maraschino cherries, a soft vanilla cake base, and a creamy cherry buttercream frosting, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees a bakery-style cake every time. Whether it’s for birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy treat, this homemade cherry cake will be your new favorite dessert!
Equipment :
- ✔ 2 round 8-inch cake pans
- ✔ Hand or stand mixer
- ✔ Mixing bowls
- ✔ Spatula
- ✔ Wire cooling rack
- ✔ Measuring cups & spoons
- ✔ Cake turntable (optional, for easy frosting)
Ingredients :
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 ¼ cups chopped cherries fresh or maraschino
- 1 ½ cups cherries pitted & chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup cherry puree from the filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 –2 tbsp heavy cream if needed for consistency
Instructions :
- Prepare the Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch cake pans. Line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently.
- Fold in chopped cherries and divide the batter evenly between pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make the Cherry Filling:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Stir in dissolved cornstarch, cooking until the mixture thickens.
- Let it cool completely before using.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat butter until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Pour in cherry puree and vanilla extract; beat until fluffy.
- Add heavy cream if needed for a smoother texture.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a plate, spread cherry filling on top.
- Add the second cake layer and press gently.
- Frost the entire cake with cherry buttercream.
- Decorate with whole cherries.
- Chill & Serve:
- Let the cake chill for 30 minutes before slicing.
- Enjoy every cherry-filled bite! 🍒🎂
Notes :
This recipe is a showstopper for any occasion and easy enough for home bakers! 🍒 Would you like any modifications, such as variations or storage tips? 😊