Name: Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake: 7 Delightful Layers to Savor
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened); 1 1/4 cups Granulated sugar (sweetens the cake beautifully); 2 cups All-purpose flour (the base for fluffy layers); 1 tablespoon Baking powder (helps the cake rise); 1/4 teaspoon Salt (balances sweetness); 1/4 cup Whole milk (keeps the cake moist); 1/2 cup Maraschino cherry juice (adds cherry flavor); 2 teaspoons Almond extract (introduces nutty sweetness); 2 tablespoons Flour for sprinkling (to coat cherries); 10 oz Maraschino cherries (finely chopped); 1-2 drops Red food coloring (optional for color); 4 Egg whites (beaten to stiff peaks); 5 Egg whites (for meringue base); 1 cup Granulated sugar (for sweetness and stability); pinch Salt (to enhance flavor); 1 pound Unsalted butter (softened); 3 teaspoons Clear vanilla extract (adds authentic flavor)

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Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of cherries with the rich flavor of vanilla. This nostalgic treat brings joy to any celebration, whether it’s a birthday party or a summer gathering. With its moist layers and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to wow your guests and evoke fond memories. Let’s dig into the details of this scrumptious treat!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

This Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why it deserves a spot on your dessert table:

Perfect for celebrations like birthdays and weddings.
Combines the flavors of fresh cherries and creamy vanilla.
Easy to make and requires simple ingredients.
Stunning layers make for a beautiful presentation.
Versatile: can be served as a Cherry Vanilla layered dessert or with various frostings.
A great way to use fresh cherries in your baking.

This cake fits beautifully within the Desserts category and is a must-try for anyone who appreciates classic American desserts.

Ingredients for Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

Gather these items:

1/2 cup Unsalted butter (softened)
1 1/4 cups Granulated sugar (sweetens the cake beautifully)
2 cups All-purpose flour (the base for fluffy layers)
1 tablespoon Baking powder (helps the cake rise)
1/4 teaspoon Salt (balances sweetness)
1/4 cup Whole milk (keeps the cake moist)
1/2 cup Maraschino cherry juice (adds cherry flavor)
2 teaspoons Almond extract (introduces nutty sweetness)
2 tablespoons Flour for sprinkling (to coat cherries)
10 oz Maraschino cherries (finely chopped)
1-2 drops Red food coloring (optional for color)
4 Egg whites (beaten to stiff peaks)
5 Egg whites (for meringue base)
1 cup Granulated sugar (for sweetness and stability)
pinch Salt (to enhance flavor)
1 pound Unsalted butter (softened)
3 teaspoons Clear vanilla extract (adds authentic flavor)

How to Make Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). Grease two 7-inch spring-form pans (or one 9-inch) and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
Step 2: Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together in a stand mixer until creamy and light, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Whisk the flour, salt, and baking powder together in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Combine the milk, cherry juice, and almond extract. Gradually add this mixture, alternating with the flour, to the butter and sugar.
Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the chopped maraschino cherries and stir until coated.
Step 6: Fold the flour-coated cherries into the cake batter and add food coloring if desired.
Step 7: Fold in the beaten egg whites gently.
Step 8: Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 9: Whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt in a heatproof bowl over simmering water until hot and sugar dissolves.
Step 10: Transfer to stand mixer and beat until stiff peaks form.
Step 11: Continue beating until fluffy and cool, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 12: Switch to the paddle attachment and add cubed butter, beating until creamy.
Step 13: Add vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is thick and smooth.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

Keep these in mind:

Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
Use fresh cherries for a burst of flavor.
Experiment with different frostings, such as a Cherry Vanilla cake with cream cheese frosting.

Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake: 7 Delightful Layers to Savor - Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

Here are some serving suggestions:

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Pair it with fresh fruit for a refreshing contrast.
Perfect as a Cherry Vanilla birthday cake centerpiece.

How to Store and Reheat Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

To store, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For reheating, simply slice and microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake?

The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring that the butter is well-creamed with sugar to create a light texture. Be sure to fold in the egg whites gently to maintain the fluffiness!

Can I make Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake?

One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Be gentle when folding in the egg whites to keep your cake light and airy.

Variations of Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake You Can Try

Looking for something different? Here are some variations to consider:

Try adding a layer of Cherry Vanilla cream cake for a unique twist.
Make mini versions for individual servings at parties.
Incorporate chocolate for a Cherry Vanilla cake recipe with a richer flavor.

Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake: 7 Delightful Layers to Savor - Cherry Vanilla Layer Cake - additional detail

For more tips on baking, check out our baking guide. If you’re interested in learning about the history of layer cakes, visit The Spruce Eats for a detailed overview. You can also explore Food Network’s collection of layer cake recipes for inspiration.