Get ready to transform your ordinary baking routine into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Yellow Layer Cake with Cherry Frosting isn't just a dessert—it's a slice of pure happiness that combines the classic comfort of a golden, tender cake with the vibrant, sweet-tart excitement of cherry frosting. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a show-stopping dessert, this recipe promises to be your new go-to crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 layer cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry preserves (for frosting)
- 1 cup butter (for frosting)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coating to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This helps remove any lumps and ensures a smoother cake texture.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove cakes from oven and let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat butter in a large bowl until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in cherry preserves, creating a swirled cherry frosting. If too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach desired consistency.
- Once cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cherry frosting. Top with the second cake layer.
- Frost the entire cake with remaining cherry frosting, creating smooth, even layers.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh cherries or cherry preserves on top for additional decoration.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow frosting to set. Slice and serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense cake.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Check the expiration date on your baking powder, as old powder can prevent proper rising.
- Even Cake Layers: Use a kitchen scale to divide batter equally between pans for perfectly uniform layers.
- Cool Completely: Allow cakes to cool entirely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Frosting Consistency: If your cherry frosting is too thick, add milk gradually. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating helps the frosting set and makes clean, beautiful slices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 75g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 115mg
