Maraschino Cherry Cake

Introduction

Have you ever wished you could bake a cake that looks like it came from a fancy bakery but is actually super easy to make? If you said yes, you’re going to love what’s coming next. Today, we’re diving into one of the prettiest, easiest, and most delicious cakes you’ll ever bake — the Maraschino Cherry Cake! It’s colorful, soft, full of sweet cherry flavor, and topped with a creamy frosting that’s so good you’ll want to lick the spoon. Let’s jump into the fun world of baking and learn all about this magical cake!

Overview: What Makes Maraschino Cherry Cake So Special?

The Maraschino Cherry Cake is not just another ordinary cake. It’s a bright pink, cheerful dessert that brings a huge smile with every slice. It’s made with a simple boxed cake mix, maraschino cherries, and a few easy ingredients. This cake is quick, taking about 45 minutes total for prep and baking. It’s simple, making it beginner-friendly — even if you’ve never baked a cake before! Plus, it’s fun and perfect for birthdays, parties, or just to brighten up a rainy day. It’s topped with the prettiest pink frosting you’ve ever seen!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what makes this cake truly special

• Vanilla Cake Mix: A great shortcut to make the cake light, fluffy, and easy. You can use white cake mix if you want an even brighter pink color
• Maraschino Cherries and Juice: These add that bright color and a sweet cherry flavor. No fresh cherries needed here
• Eggs: Help make the cake rich and help it rise
• Oil: Keeps the cake super moist
• Water: Thins the batter just right
• Almond Extract: Adds a tiny hint of nutty, sweet flavor that makes the cherries pop even more
• Cream Cheese and Butter: For a rich and creamy frosting that’s not too sweet
• Powdered Sugar: Makes the frosting smooth and perfect for spreading

Substitutions and Variations

• Cake Mix: Try a strawberry or cherry chip cake mix for even more fruity flavor
• Oil: Use melted butter if you prefer a richer taste
• Almond Extract: Swap for vanilla extract if you don’t like almond
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for the frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake the Maraschino Cherry Cake step-by-step. Grab your apron — it’s going to get fun!

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray so the cake won’t stick.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, add 3 large eggs, ½ cup oil, ¾ cup water, ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice, and ½ teaspoon almond extract. Mix them together with an electric mixer or a stand mixer until smooth. Slowly add the vanilla cake mix into the wet ingredients. Mix everything until there are no dry lumps. Scrape the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixed well.

Step 3: Add the Cherries

Gently stir in the quartered maraschino cherries. Try to spread them out evenly in the batter.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Assembly: Building and Decorating the Cake

After your cake has cooled, it’s time to add the frosting magic!

Make the Frosting

In a big bowl, mix 4 ounces cream cheese and ⅓ cup butter, both softened to room temperature. Add in 2 cups powdered sugar. Start your mixer on low so the sugar doesn’t fly everywhere. Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice. Mix until smooth and creamy. Your frosting will turn a beautiful light pink color!

Frost the Cake

Spread the frosting over the cooled cake using a spatula. If you want, top each slice with a cherry for an extra pop of color.

Tip for Presentation: Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar over the top. Decorate with whipped cream or pink sprinkles to make it extra festive!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

How to Store

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can bake the cake a day ahead, cover it tightly, and frost it the next day for the freshest taste.

Freezing Tip

You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting.

Recipe Variations

Want to make it your own? Here are some fun ideas

• Chocolate-Cherry Cake: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter
• Cherry Almond Layer Cake: Divide the batter into two pans and stack with extra frosting in between
• Cherry Cupcakes: Make cupcakes instead of a full cake — bake for about 18–20 minutes
• Extra Cherry Flavor: Add a few drops of cherry extract for a bigger cherry punch
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free too

Conclusion

There you have it — the easiest, prettiest, and most delicious Maraschino Cherry Cake you could ever make! Whether you bake it for a party, a family dinner, or just because you want a sweet treat, this cake is a total winner. Don’t be afraid to have fun with the recipe. Add your own twist, use different decorations, or even make it into cute cupcakes. The best part about baking is that there’s no “perfect” — just lots of yummy fun. Go grab those cherries and get baking — your beautiful pink cake is waiting for you!

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FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? It’s best to use maraschino cherries because they are sweeter and give the cake its bright pink color. Fresh cherries might make the cake too wet.

2. Can I make the cake without almond extract? Yes! You can use vanilla extract instead if you prefer. It will still taste amazing.

3. How do I know when the cake is done baking? Stick a toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

4. Is this cake good for birthdays? Absolutely! The pink color and sweet flavor make it perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration.

5. How long does the frosting last? The frosting will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days if covered well.

6. Is this cake healthy? It’s definitely a sweet treat, but you can make it a little healthier by using a sugar-free cake mix, low-fat cream cheese, or using less frosting.

7. Can I double the recipe? Yes! Just use a larger baking pan or two 9×13 pans. Watch the baking time closely!

8. Can I make this cake ahead for a party? Yes! Bake the cake one day ahead, store it covered, and frost it the day of the party for the freshest taste.