Few desserts deliver the charm and cheer of a beautifully pink Maraschino Cherry Cake. This classic cake, with its soft texture, playful hue, and sweet cherry flavor, feels like a step back in time—perfect for birthdays, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, or any time you want a cake that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Made with chopped maraschino cherries, a hint of almond or vanilla, and often topped with cherry-speckled frosting or whipped cream, this cake is the perfect balance of nostalgia and sweetness. Whether baked as a single layer, a tiered masterpiece, or even cupcakes, this cake wins hearts with every bite.
What Is Maraschino Cherry Cake?
Maraschino Cherry Cake is a soft, moist cake infused with the flavor (and sometimes color) of maraschino cherries. It’s typically made with finely chopped cherries folded into the batter, along with some cherry juice for added color and flavor. The result? A light, tender crumb with cheerful pink tones and bursts of sweet-tart cherry in every bite.
This cake is:
- 🍒 Sweet and fruity – The maraschino cherries shine
- 🌸 Pretty in pink – Visually striking and festive
- 🎂 Perfectly moist – Thanks to cherry juice and tenderizing ingredients like sour cream or buttermilk
- 🧁 Ideal for any occasion – From holidays to everyday treats
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large egg whites
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, but delicious)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
- 3/4 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries (patted dry)
For the Frosting (Cherry Buttercream):
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: extra chopped cherries for texture or garnish
Equipment Needed
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans (or cupcake tins, bundt pan, etc.)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cherries
Chop the maraschino cherries into small pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps prevent bleeding into the batter and keeps your cake from becoming soggy.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. This incorporates air for a light, tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg Whites and Flavorings
Beat in the egg whites one at a time until well blended. Then add vanilla extract and almond extract.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry
Add the flour mixture in thirds, alternating with the milk and cherry juice. Begin and end with the flour. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped cherries with a spatula until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake
Divide batter evenly between two greased and parchment-lined cake pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- Beat the butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Add cherry juice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
- Beat until the frosting is light, airy, and the perfect pink hue.
Optional: Fold in extra chopped cherries for texture and visual appeal.
Assemble the Cake
- Level the cakes if needed, then spread a layer of frosting between the two layers.
- Frost the outside and top of the cake with the cherry buttercream.
- Garnish with whole maraschino cherries, sprinkles, white chocolate shavings, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Variations & Creative Twists
🍫 Chocolate-Cherry Combo
Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or make a chocolate ganache drizzle over the cherry frosting.
🧁 Cupcakes
Portion into cupcake tins and bake for 18–22 minutes—perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats.
🍰 Bundt Cake
Bake in a bundt pan and glaze with a cherry-almond icing for a more vintage presentation.
🥥 Cherry Coconut Cake
Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
✨ Visually stunning – That lovely pink hue makes it perfect for showers, birthdays, and holidays
🍒 Deliciously nostalgic – Tastes like the classic cakes grandma used to make
⏱️ Easy to prepare – Simple steps, pantry staples, and quick baking time
👩🍳 Great for bakers of all levels – Beginner-friendly with impressive results
💖 A crowd-pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 4–5 days, but let it come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Pairing Suggestions
Serve with:
- Hot coffee or cherry-flavored tea 🍵
- A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream 🍨
- Sparkling rosé or cherry cola for festive flair 🥂
Final Thoughts
Maraschino Cherry Cake is the perfect marriage of playful nostalgia and delicious flavor. With its gorgeous pink crumb, subtle cherry-almond undertones, and creamy cherry-kissed frosting, it’s a treat that brings smiles and sweet memories with every slice.
Whether you’re baking it for a celebration, a family dinner, or just to enjoy a retro dessert, this cake is guaranteed to stand out.
So grab a jar of maraschino cherries and get ready to fall in love with a cake that’s as delightful to bake as it is to eat! 💕