Maraschino Cherry Cake 🍒🍰

If you’re looking for a bright, nostalgic dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, this Maraschino Cherry Cake is the perfect choice. Maraschino Cherry Cake is soft, buttery, and infused with sweet maraschino cherry juice, then studded with juicy chopped cherries in every bite. Finished with a luscious cherry glaze or creamy frosting, this pretty pink cake is perfect for birthdays, baby showers, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Christmas, or whenever you’re craving a fun and fruity dessert.

This easy homemade cake is packed with classic cherry flavor and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

If you love easy homemade cake recipes like this one, don’t forget to subscribe and receive new recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Cake

This cheerful cake is full of sweet cherry flavor and easy to make.

Moist and Tender

Cherry juice keeps every slice soft and flavorful.

Beautiful Presentation

The pink color and bright cherries make it perfect for celebrations.

Easy Pantry Ingredients

Simple baking staples come together beautifully.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Ideal for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Make-Ahead Friendly

The cake stays moist for days.

What Does Maraschino Cherry Cake Taste Like?

This cake has a soft vanilla flavor with sweet bursts of maraschino cherries throughout. The cherry juice adds fruity sweetness while keeping the crumb wonderfully moist. Every bite is light, buttery, and filled with nostalgic cherry goodness.

Benefits of Making Maraschino Cherry Cake

Beginner-Friendly

Simple instructions make this recipe easy for every baker.

Great for Parties

Slices beautifully and serves a crowd.

Easily Customizable

Add coconut, almonds, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

Freezer-Friendly

Bake ahead for holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
• ½ cup whole milk

Optional Cherry Glaze

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

• Whole maraschino cherries
• White chocolate shavings
• Toasted coconut
• Sliced almonds
• Whipped cream

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Customize this cake with your favorite flavors.

Add Nuts

Mix in:

• Chopped pecans
• Walnuts
• Sliced almonds

Extra Flavor

Add:

• Almond extract
• Lemon zest
• White chocolate chips

Frosting Options

Top with:

• Cream cheese frosting
• Vanilla buttercream
• Whipped cream frosting

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cake

This delightful cake comes together in just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together:

• Butter
• Sugar

until light and fluffy.

Add:

• Eggs, one at a time
• Vanilla extract

Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with:

• Milk
• Maraschino cherry juice

Mix just until combined.

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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

Step 6: Glaze the Cake (Optional)

Whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Maraschino cherry juice
• Vanilla extract

Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Garnish with whole maraschino cherries if desired.

What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Cake

This sweet cake pairs perfectly with:

Favorite Pairings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Tea
• Fresh berries
• White chocolate drizzle

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

General Information

Maraschino Cherry Cake is a nostalgic dessert that’s been a favorite at potlucks, birthday parties, and holiday tables for generations. The combination of sweet cherries and buttery vanilla cake creates a colorful dessert that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 305
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 29g
• Sodium: 170mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Conclusion

This Maraschino Cherry Cake is a charming, old-fashioned dessert that’s bursting with sweet cherry flavor and a soft, buttery crumb. Whether you serve it with a simple cherry glaze or your favorite frosting, it’s a beautiful cake that’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, and everyday celebrations.

If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this colorful homemade favorite!

You May Also Enjoy

• Cherry Pie Bars
• Cherry Cheesecake Crescent Roll Bake
• Strawberry Lasagna
• Butter Pecan Pound Cake
• Pineapple Dream Dessert 🍒🍰