Very Cherry Cake Vanilla Buttercream

Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

If you love bold cherry flavor, this Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream is the ultimate dessert. Soft, moist layers of cherry-infused cake are paired with a smooth, classic vanilla buttercream frosting, creating a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy richness.

This cake is ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you want a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks. With real cherries and a tender crumb, every bite is bursting with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with cherry flavor: Made with real cherries and juice
Moist and tender: Soft cake layers that stay fresh
Classic buttercream: Smooth, sweet, and easy to pipe
Beautiful presentation: Perfect for special occasions
Customizable: Works with fresh, frozen, or canned cherries

Ingredients

For the Cherry Cake:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
¾ cup milk
½ cup cherry juice (from jar or fresh cherries)
1 ½ cups chopped cherries (fresh or drained jarred cherries)

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes). This step is key for a soft cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavor

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Alternate adding dry ingredients and the milk/cherry juice mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in chopped cherries. Do not overmix to keep the cake tender.

Step 7: Bake

Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 10: Decorate

Decorate with fresh cherries, cherry drizzle, or extra frosting swirls for a bakery-style finish.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Cake

Drain cherries well: Prevents excess moisture in the batter
Use room temperature ingredients: Helps create a smooth batter
Don’t overmix: Keeps the cake light and fluffy
Chill before slicing: Makes cleaner cuts
Enhance flavor: A little almond extract boosts cherry taste beautifully

Variations

Chocolate Cherry Cake: Add cocoa powder for a rich twist
Layered Filling: Add cherry jam between layers
Cupcake Version: Bake in cupcake liners for 18–20 minutes
Whipped Frosting Option: Use whipped cream frosting for a lighter finish

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

You can also freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with coffee or tea
Pair with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
Perfect centerpiece for birthdays and celebrations

Final Thoughts

This Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream is a true crowd-pleaser—soft, fruity, and beautifully balanced with creamy frosting. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough to bake at home.

Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your favorite homemade cakes—bursting with cherry flavor in every bite. 🍒