There's something about a pink cake that just says "party." This Maraschino Cherry Cake is soft and buttery, laced through with sweet maraschino cherry juice, and packed with juicy chopped cherries in every bite. Top it with a bright cherry glaze or a creamy frosting and you've got a showstopper for birthdays, baby showers, Valentine's Day, Easter, or Christmas — really, anytime you're in the mood for something fruity and fun.
It's a simple homemade cake with big, unmistakable cherry flavor, and it tends to disappear fast once people get a taste.
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Why This Cake Earns a Spot in Your Rotation
It's cheerful, it's cherry-packed, and it couldn't be simpler to make.
Soft and Moist
The cherry juice keeps every slice tender and full of flavor.
A Showstopper Look
That pretty pink hue and pop of cherries make it a natural for celebrations.
Built From Pantry Staples
Basic baking ingredients come together into something special.
Fits Any Occasion
Birthdays, holidays, potlucks, family dinners — it works everywhere.
Holds Up Well Ahead of Time
The cake stays moist for days after baking.
What Does It Taste Like?
Expect a gentle vanilla base with sweet little bursts of maraschino cherry throughout. The cherry juice brings fruity sweetness while keeping the crumb impressively moist. Every forkful is light, buttery, and full of that nostalgic cherry flavor.
Why You'll Want to Bake This One
Great for Beginner Bakers
The steps are simple enough for anyone to follow.
Made for a Crowd
It slices neatly and serves plenty of people.
Easy to Dress Up
Stir in coconut, almonds, or chocolate chips for extra flair.
Freezes Well
Bake it ahead for holidays or special events.
What Goes Into It
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
For an 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
Equipment You'll Want on Hand
The Essentials
- 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ways to Make It Your Own
Feel free to play with flavors and mix-ins.
Add Some Crunch
Stir in:
- Chopped pecans
- Walnuts
- Sliced almonds
Boost the Flavor
Add:
- Almond extract
- Lemon zest
- White chocolate chips
Topping Options
Try:
- Cream cheese frosting
- Vanilla buttercream
- Whipped cream frosting
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cake
Just a handful of steps stand between you and this cake.
Step 1: Get the Oven Ready
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: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Set the bowl aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together:
- Butter
- Sugar
until the mixture turns light and fluffy.
Add:
- Eggs, one at a time
- Vanilla extract
and mix until everything's well combined.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Add the dry ingredients gradually, alternating with:
- Milk
- Maraschino cherry juice
Mix just until it comes together — no more.
Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries gently.
Step 5: Bake It Off
Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)
Whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Maraschino cherry juice
- Vanilla extract
Drizzle it over the fully cooled cake.
Top with whole maraschino cherries if you'd like.
What Pairs Well With It
This sweet cake goes great alongside:
Favorite Pairings
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Hot coffee
- Tea
- Fresh berries
- White chocolate drizzle
Tips for Getting It Right
Drain Those Cherries Well
Extra liquid can throw off the cake's texture.
Toss Them in Flour First
A light dusting of flour keeps the cherries from sinking to the bottom.
Don't Overwork the Batter
Mix just until combined for the softest possible crumb.
Let It Cool Fully Before Glazing
A warm cake will melt the glaze right off.
Storing Leftovers
At Room Temperature
Keep it covered for up to 3 days.
In the Fridge
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer
Wrap the unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
A Little Background
Maraschino Cherry Cake has been showing up at potlucks, birthday parties, and holiday tables for generations. That mix of sweet cherries and buttery vanilla cake makes for a colorful dessert that's just as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead?
You can, but maraschino cherries give the cake its signature sweetness and vibrant color.
Can this be made into cupcakes?
Definitely — fill liners about two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Can I frost it instead of glazing?
Yes! Cream cheese frosting or vanilla buttercream both go beautifully with the cherry flavor.
Why toss the cherries in flour?
It helps them stay evenly distributed through the cake instead of sinking.
Can I bake this ahead of time?
Yes — bake it a day early and add the glaze or frosting right before serving.
Nutrition Info
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 estimates and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Final Thoughts
This Maraschino Cherry Cake is a charming, old-fashioned bake bursting with cherry flavor and a soft, buttery crumb. Whether you finish it with a simple cherry glaze or your go-to frosting, it's a pretty cake that fits right in at holidays, birthdays, and everyday get-togethers.
Made this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest so others can enjoy this colorful favorite too!
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- Pineapple Dream Dessert 🍒🍰
Maraschino Cherry Cake 🍒🍰
Ingredients
- 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
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (for the optional glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (for the optional glaze)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for the optional glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and lightly flour a 9-inch round cake pan or 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Add the dry ingredients gradually, alternating with the milk and maraschino cherry juice, mixing just until combined, then gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to finish cooling.
- For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and vanilla extract, then drizzle over the fully cooled cake and top with whole maraschino cherries if desired.
