Get ready to impress your guests (or just treat yourself!) with this retro-inspired Maraschino Cherry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s soft, sweet, and bursting with cherry flavor.
Plus, that tangy cream cheese frosting on top? Irresistible! This one is perfect for potlucks, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or any day that needs a little pink pick-me-up.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cake
- Bright & Bold Cherry Flavor: Thanks to maraschino cherries and cherry gelatin.
- Super Moist Texture: Oil and chopped cherries keep the crumb tender.
- Easy to Make: Start with a box of cake mix!
- Beautiful in Pink: That pretty color makes it perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 package white cake mix
A great base for customizing with cherry flavor. - 3 large eggs
For structure and richness. - ¾ cup vegetable oil
Keeps the cake moist. - ½ cup water
Helps blend everything smoothly. - 1 (10-12 oz) jar maraschino cherries, drained & stems removed
These bring big cherry flavor and color. - 1 (3 oz) package cherry flavored jello
Adds flavor, color, and extra fun.
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Tangy and smooth! - ¼ cup butter, softened
For richness and easy mixing. - 2 tsp vanilla extract
Adds warmth and balances the sweetness. - 3 cups powdered sugar
Sweetens and thickens. - 3 tbsp milk
To get the perfect spreadable texture.
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cake
These pretty pink slices come together easily!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
Step 3: Add the Cherries
Pulse the maraschino cherries in a food processor or blender until finely chopped. Add cherries and dry cherry gelatin to the cake batter. Stir just until combined.
Step 4: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar and milk, then beat again until light and creamy.
Step 6: Frost & Serve
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, slice, and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover cherry juice in the frosting or batter for extra cherry punch.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-cherry combo.
- Bake in two round pans for a layered celebration cake.
Perfect For:
- Valentine’s Day
- Baby or bridal showers
- Birthday parties
- Summer potlucks
📸 Don’t Forget the Photo Op!
This cake is almost too pretty to eat—almost! Tag your sweet slices with @BiteSizedFun or use #BiteSizedFun so we can swoon over your cherry cake creations.
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
- Acorn Cookie Dough Truffles
- Cinnamon Roll Pretzels
Whip up this Maraschino Cherry Cake for a fruity, fun, and flavorful dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser!
One More Thing!
This recipe is part of our Desserts collection. Don’t miss the other tasty throwbacks!
Maraschino Cherry Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 package white cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup water
- 10-12 ounce jar maraschino cherries drained and stems removed
- 3 ounce package cherry flavored jello
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup butter softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until smooth.
- Add the cherries to a food processor or blender and pulse until very finely chopped.
- Add the cherries and cherry jello powder to the cake batter and mix just until combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set the cake aside to cool completely to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and milk and beat until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the room-temperature cake with the cream cheese frosting. Cut and serve.
