Meet the show-stopping dessert that’s bound to steal the spotlight at any gathering: Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. This vibrant, moist cake is studded with maraschino cherries, kissed with hints of almond and vanilla, and topped with the dreamiest blush-pink frosting. If you love cake recipes that look as good as they taste, prepare yourself—this one’s a keeper for birthdays, brunches, or just because you’re feeling a little fancy. The keyphrase here is Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting, and after one slice, you’ll know why it deserves to be celebrated again and again.

Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is how each ingredient brings its own special magic to the table, from the richness of cream cheese to the pop of maraschino cherries. Simple pantry items transform into a festive, crowd-pleasing cake that brightens up any occasion.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, ensuring a tender yet sturdy crumb that holds up to all the juicy cherries.
Baking powder: Gives the cake its lift, making every bite fluffy and light.
Salt: Just a little bit sharpens the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
Unsalted butter (for cake and frosting): Adds richness and that irresistible buttery flavor in both the cake layers and the creamy frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps create that soft, moist texture.
Egg whites: Keep the crumb cloud-like and let the cake rise tall and white, showing off the cherry colors inside.
Vanilla extract: Warms and deepens the flavor, pairing perfectly with cherry and almond.
Almond extract: Intensifies the cherry flavor and lends a lovely, nostalgic twist to every bite.
Whole milk: Makes the batter velvety, adding moisture so the cake melts in your mouth.
Maraschino cherry juice: Turns the cake a gorgeous blush and packs in extra cherry zing.
Chopped maraschino cherries: Sprinkle juicy bursts of color and sweetness throughout every slice.
Cream cheese (for frosting): The star of the frosting, making it tangy, creamy, and impossible to resist.
Powdered sugar: Whips into the frosting for structure and soft sweetness without any grittiness.
Pinch of salt: A little salt in the frosting balances out all the sugary goodness.
Optional cherries for garnish: For a picture-perfect finish that says, “This is no ordinary cake!”

How to Make Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, then line their bottoms with parchment paper. This little extra step makes getting those beautiful layers out a breeze—no sticking, tearing, or angst!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures every bite will rise evenly and taste perfectly seasoned. Sifting isn’t required, but a good whisk will break up lumps and help keep the cake ultra light.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. This is the secret to a soft, moist Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting—the more you whip, the lighter your cake will be!

Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Extracts

Beat in the egg whites one at a time, making sure each one fully incorporates before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts; your kitchen will instantly smell like a bakery in full swing.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl (or even a large measuring cup), blend the milk and maraschino cherry juice together. This turns the mixture a pretty pink and promises cherry flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk-cherry mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix gently—overbeating can toughen your cake. Then, fold in those chopped maraschino cherries for pops of color and juicy sweetness.

Step 7: Bake!

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean and the sides gently pull away from the pan. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 8: Whip Up the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until totally smooth—no lumps allowed! Gradually add powdered sugar, then the maraschino cherry juice, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until the frosting is fluffy, creamy, and a charming blush pink. If you want extra cherry flair, fold in a handful of chopped cherries.

Step 9: Assemble and Decorate

Frost the cooled cake layers generously, stacking them with a thick layer of cherry cream cheese frosting in the middle. Swirl the remaining frosting over the top and sides. For a final touch, pile on more cherries—halved, chopped, or even whole—and let your Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting shine!

How to Serve Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your cake with extra maraschino cherries (halved or whole), a sprinkle of chopped almonds, or delicate swirls of whipped cream. These simple touches enhance presentation and add an irresistible pop of color that celebrates everything cherry.

Side Dishes

Keep things light and let the Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting be the star. A bowl of fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a mug of black coffee are all you need for balance. Each complements the cake’s bold, sweet flavors without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into tall wedges and serving on pastel plates for a retro vibe. For parties, cut into small squares and decorate each with a single cherry. Or, layer the cake and frosting in clear jars for adorable (and portable) “cake-to-go” gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. The frosting helps seal in moisture, so every slice stays soft and flavorful. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

Both the cake layers and the frosting freeze beautifully, separately or assembled. For best results, wrap the unfrosted layers tightly and freeze for up to two months. You can also freeze the fully assembled cake, just wrap well and defrost overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To refresh a chilled slice, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or zap it in the microwave (without frosting) for just 10-15 seconds. The Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting is best enjoyed cool, so don’t over-warm, or the creamy frosting will melt.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Absolutely! Pit and chop sweet fresh cherries, but note that they’re less sweet and less vibrant in color than maraschino cherries. Blot them well to avoid extra moisture in the batter, and add an extra splash of cherry juice or a bit more almond extract for extra cherry punch.

What’s the best way to get pink frosting naturally?

For a natural pink hue, try swapping in cherry puree or a hint of beet juice for the maraschino cherry juice in the frosting. Either option keeps your Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting lovely and colorful without artificial dyes.

Can I make this recipe as cupcakes?

Yes! Divide the batter between cupcake liners, filling two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–20 minutes. You’ll have plenty of Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting to generously swirl on top of each cupcake.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for the frosting?

Try using dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based butter in the frosting. The result will be just as tangy and creamy, ensuring your Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting stays inclusive and delicious for everyone.

How do I keep the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

After chopping the maraschino cherries, blot them well with paper towels. Tossing them lightly with a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter helps suspend them throughout the cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s equal parts joyful and delicious, look no further than this Cherry Cake with Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s impressive yet inviting, bursting with cherry flavor and creamy indulgence in every bite. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for celebrations—or whenever you want to make an ordinary day feel extra special!