Cherry-Cream Cheese Celebration Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cherry Cake Layers:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (+ 2 tbsp for dusting cherries)
3 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
6 large egg whites (room temperature)
⅔ cup maraschino cherry juice
¾ cup whole milk (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream (room temperature)
20 maraschino cherries, chopped
For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
16 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice
8 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8" or 9" round cake pans with parchment paper.
Prepare Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cherry juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and fluffy.
Add the sour cream to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients and the egg white mixture alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Toss the chopped maraschino cherries with 2 tbsp of flour to prevent them from sinking, then gently fold them into the batter.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
Bake:
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Make Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the maraschino cherry juice and mix until well combined.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assemble Cake:
Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
Repeat with the second and third cake layers, spreading frosting between each layer.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Decorate the cake with extra maraschino cherries if desired.
Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
#food #foodie #recipe #fblifestyle