Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe

Maraschino cherry cake is a delightful, colorful dessert that brings a burst of sweetness to any occasion. With its tender, moist texture and pops of bright red cherries, this cake is a fun twist on a classic vanilla cake.

It’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy afternoon treat. In this article, I’ll guide you through an easy, step-by-step recipe to create a delicious maraschino cherry cake that everyone will love.

Why People Love This Maraschino Cherry Cake

This cake is a hit because of its unique flavor and eye-catching appearance. The maraschino cherries add a sweet, slightly tart taste that pairs beautifully with the soft, buttery cake. It’s a dessert that feels nostalgic and comforting, reminiscent of childhood treats.

The texture is another reason it’s so popular. The cake is light and fluffy, with juicy cherries scattered throughout, making every bite a little surprise. It’s also incredibly versatile—great for casual gatherings or dressed up for special events.

People also enjoy how simple it is to make. With pantry staples and a jar of maraschino cherries, you can whip up this cake without much fuss. It’s a beginner-friendly recipe that delivers impressive results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this maraschino cherry cake, you’ll need a handful of basic ingredients. The star of the show, of course, is the maraschino cherries, which you can find in most grocery stores.

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
• 1 cup maraschino cherries (chopped, drained)

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Extra maraschino cherries (for decoration)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make this cake. Here’s a list of the basic tools you’ll use to bring it together.

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Electric mixer (optional, for batter and frosting)
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plate or cake stand

Having these tools ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable. If you don’t have an electric mixer, a whisk and some elbow grease will work just fine.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Let’s dive into making this delicious maraschino cherry cake. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dessert ready to share.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, and lightly dust it with flour. This keeps the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now—it’ll be added to the wet ingredients later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or a bit longer by hand.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice until everything is combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the milk, and mix until just combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk, stirring until smooth.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, so the cherries stay evenly distributed without breaking apart too much.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with whole maraschino cherries for a pretty, polished look.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 12 servings). This is an estimate and may vary depending on portion size.

This cake is a sweet treat, so enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Cake

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly:

1. Drain the cherries well and pat them dry with a paper towel to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
2. Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter and frosting.
3. Chop the cherries into small pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cake.
4. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more cherry juice; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
5. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

These small steps can make a big difference in the final result.

Serving Suggestions

This maraschino cherry cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ideas to enhance the experience:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast.
• Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee to balance the sweetness.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent touch.
• Slice it into squares and serve as a finger food at parties or gatherings.

No matter how you serve it, this cake is sure to be a hit.

Storing and Freezing the Cake

If you have leftovers, store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The frosting will hold up well, but the cake might get slightly denser over time.

To freeze, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Conclusion

This maraschino cherry cake recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a sweet, flavorful dessert that’s easy to make and looks impressive.

The combination of tender cake, juicy cherries, and creamy frosting creates a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or just because, this recipe delivers a delicious result with minimal effort.

Give it a try, and you’ll see why this cake is a beloved classic. It’s a simple yet delightful dessert that brings a little joy to every bite!

FAQ

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries won’t give the same flavor or texture. Maraschino cherries are recommended for their sweetness and softness.

How do I keep the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the chopped cherries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and store it at room temperature. Frost it the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use two 8-inch round pans instead. Adjust the baking time to 25-30 minutes and check for doneness.

Can I make this cake without frosting?

Absolutely, it’s still delicious plain. Dust it with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe

Usman Malik

This maraschino cherry cake recipe is a sweet and colorful dessert featuring a moist vanilla cake studded with juicy maraschino cherries and topped with a creamy cherry-flavored frosting. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or a fun family treat. The bright red cherries add a nostalgic flavor and a cheerful look to this delightful cake.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or two 8-inch round pans)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Electric mixer (optional, for batter and frosting)
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plate or cake stand

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice from the jar
• 1 cup maraschino cherries chopped, drained

For the Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Extra maraschino cherries for decoration

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray, and lightly dust it with flour. This keeps the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now—it’ll be added to the wet ingredients later.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or a bit longer by hand.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice until everything is combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the milk, and mix until just combined. Repeat with the remaining dry ingredients and milk, stirring until smooth.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries

• Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, so the cherries stay evenly distributed without breaking apart too much.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Step 9: Frost and Decorate

• Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Decorate with whole maraschino cherries for a pretty, polished look.

Notes

When preparing this maraschino cherry cake, make sure to drain and chop the cherries well to avoid excess moisture in the batter. Let the cake cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting spreads smoothly without melting. For a professional finish, decorate with whole cherries just before serving to keep them looking fresh and vibrant.

Keyword Maraschino Cherry Cake, maraschino cherry cake filling, Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe