Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (reserve the juice)

For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. Making the Cake:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, beat the butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
   • Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
3. Baking:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Making the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth.
   • Add the maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until well combined.
   • If desired, fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
5. Assembling the Cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of frosting over the top.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
   • Garnish with additional chopped cherries if desired.
6. Finishing:
   • Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 480
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 65g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Intensity:

• Preparation Intensity: Medium
• Cooking Intensity: Medium
• Overall Intensity: Medium

Enjoy this delightful Cherry Layer Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, perfect for any special