Maraschino Cherry Cake 🍒🍰

If you’re looking for a beautiful vintage dessert that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching, this Maraschino Cherry Cake is the perfect recipe. Maraschino Cherry Cake is a soft, buttery cake infused with sweet maraschino cherry juice and filled with chopped cherries in every bite. Finished with a fluffy cherry cream cheese frosting, this nostalgic dessert is perfect for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any celebration.

With its pretty pink color, moist texture, and sweet cherry flavor, this old-fashioned cake is guaranteed to impress family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Cake

This vintage cake is a timeless favorite.

Soft and Moist

Cherry juice keeps every slice tender and flavorful.

Beautiful Presentation

Its lovely pink hue makes it perfect for special occasions.

Easy to Make

Simple pantry ingredients come together with minimal effort.

Perfect for Celebrations

Ideal for birthdays, bridal showers, holidays, and family gatherings.

Full of Cherry Flavor

Every bite is packed with sweet maraschino cherries.

What Does Maraschino Cherry Cake Taste Like?

This cake is light, buttery, and wonderfully moist with sweet cherry flavor throughout. The maraschino cherry juice adds a delicate fruity sweetness, while the chopped cherries provide bursts of flavor and texture. Topped with a creamy frosting, it’s both rich and refreshing.

Benefits of Making Maraschino Cherry Cake

Beginner-Friendly

Easy instructions make this recipe perfect for any baker.

Budget-Friendly

Made with everyday baking staples.

Make-Ahead Friendly

Bake the cake a day in advance and frost before serving.

Perfect for Any Occasion

A versatile dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup whole milk

For the Cherry Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

• Whole maraschino cherries
• White chocolate curls
• Pink sprinkles
• Chopped toasted almonds

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Essential Equipment

• Two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Customize this beautiful cake with your favorite flavors.

Add Chocolate

Fold in:

• White chocolate chips
• Mini chocolate chips

Nut Options

Mix in:

• Chopped pecans
• Sliced almonds

Frosting Variations

Try:

• Vanilla buttercream
• Whipped cream frosting
• Cherry buttercream
• White chocolate frosting

How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cake

This elegant cake comes together in a few easy steps.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans or one 9×13-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 bowl, beat together:

• Butter
• Sugar

until light and fluffy.

Add:

• Eggs, one at a time
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (if using)

Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Add the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the milk, mixing just until combined.

Stir in:

• Maraschino cherry juice
• Chopped cherries

Fold gently to avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan(s).

Bake:

• 9-inch round pans: 28–32 minutes
• 9×13-inch pan: 35–40 minutes

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

Beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Butter

until smooth.

Gradually mix in the powdered sugar.

Add:

• Cherry juice
• Vanilla extract

Beat until light and fluffy.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

Garnish with whole maraschino cherries, white chocolate curls, or sprinkles if desired.

Slice and serve.

What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Cake

This sweet cake pairs perfectly with:

Favorite Pairings

• Fresh strawberries
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Iced tea
• Sparkling lemonade

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating

This cake is best served chilled or at room temperature.

General Information

Maraschino Cherry Cake is a nostalgic dessert that gained popularity in the mid-20th century, when colorful maraschino cherries became a favorite baking ingredient. Its soft texture, bright cherry flavor, and festive appearance continue to make it a popular choice for celebrations and family gatherings.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving (based on 12 servings):

• Calories: 435
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 42g
• Sodium: 180mg

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

Conclusion

This Maraschino Cherry Cake is a beautiful, old-fashioned dessert that’s soft, moist, and bursting with sweet cherry flavor. Whether you’re baking it for a birthday, holiday, or simply because you’re craving a nostalgic treat, this easy homemade cake is sure to become a favorite.

If you make this recipe, leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this delightful cherry cake too!

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