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Cherry & Cinnamon Layer Cake Recipe

Cherry & Cinnamon Layer Cake Recipe

4.8 from 23 reviews

Indulge in the delightful flavors of cherry and cinnamon with this decadent layer cake recipe. Moist layers of cinnamon-infused cake studded with fresh cherries, filled and frosted with a luscious mascarpone cream, and elegantly decorated for a stunning presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk (or buttermilk)
  • 1 cup (150 g) fresh cherries, pitted and halved

For the Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz (225 g) mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
  • ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Decoration:

  • Fresh cherries with stems
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting)
  • Cinnamon sticks & star anise (optional, for garnish)
  • Caramel or chocolate sauce (for dripping effect)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cake Layers – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 6-inch (15 cm) round cake pans. In a bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Gradually alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped cherries. Divide batter evenly into the pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely before assembling.
  2. Make the Frosting – In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form.
  3. Assemble the Cake – Slice each cake layer in half to create 4 thin layers. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread frosting evenly, repeat with remaining layers. Frost the top and lightly around the sides (semi-naked style). Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce on the edges so it drips down.
  4. Decorate – Pipe swirls of cream on top. Place fresh cherries at the center. Dust lightly with cocoa powder. Add cinnamon sticks and star anise for a rustic touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cherry, cinnamon, layer cake, dessert, mascarpone, cream cheese, baking