Name: Cherry Chip Cake Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounce white cake mix; 10 ounces maraschino cherries, chopped (save some cherries for garnish); ½ cup butter; 3 eggs; ½ cup milk; ½ cup cherry juice (reserved from cherries); 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 pounds powdered sugar; 6 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice (reserved)

If you’re craving a dessert that’s bursting with cherry flavor and a hint of nostalgia, then this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. With moist layers studded with maraschino cherries and a luscious cherry buttercream frosting, it’s a guaranteed showstopper for any occasion.

A two-layer round cake covered in smooth light pink frosting sits on a white plate. Each layer is separated by a border of piped star-shaped frosting in the same pink color. On top of the cake, there is a ring of the same star-shaped pink frosting decorations around the edge. Eight bright red cherries with stems are evenly spaced, each sitting on top of a star frosting near the cake's edge. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Chip Cake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Chip Cake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this cherry chip cake—it instantly became a family favorite. It’s not just any cherry cake; the juicy maraschino cherries mixed right into the batter, then topped with that silky cherry buttercream, make every bite feel like a little celebration.

Vibrant Cherry Flavor: Incorporating maraschino cherries and their juice ensures each slice is juicy and sweet.
Easy to Make: Using a white cake mix streamlines the process while keeping the cake moist and tender.
Show-Stopping Frosting: Cherry buttercream frosting adds a rich, creamy finish with just the right hint of cherry.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday or a casual get-together, this cake delivers smiles.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start mixing, make sure you grab quality ingredients — the kind that bring out the best flavors. I always recommend fresh or trusted brand maraschino cherries because they really make a difference, and don’t forget to save that cherry juice for the magic frosting.

Flat lay of a small mound of fine white powdered sugar, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a stick of pale yellow unsalted butter, a small mound of bright red chopped maraschino cherries, a few whole glossy maraschino cherries with stems, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white milk, a small white ceramic bowl of deep red cherry juice, and a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

White cake mix: The base that provides a light, fluffy texture ready to soak in all the cherry goodness.
Maraschino cherries: Chopped for the cake batter, with some reserved whole cherries for garnish and juice for extra flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and frosting.
Eggs: Essential for structure and tenderness.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and enhances overall moisture.
Cherry juice: Reserved from the cherries to infuse both the cake and frosting with natural cherry flavor.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Softened to room temperature for that perfectly creamy texture.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to spreadable perfection.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to customize it however you like. Whether you want to boost the cherry flavor or adapt it for special diets, there are delightful ways to make this cake uniquely yours.

Cherry-Chocolate Delight: I love adding a half cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter along with the cherries. The pockets of melted chocolate balance the cherry’s tartness beautifully and make every bite extra special.
Fresh Cherry Swap: If maraschino cherries aren’t your thing, try fresh or frozen sweet cherries (just thaw them first). You’ll want to reduce the milk by a few tablespoons to keep the batter from getting too runny. I’ve done this when cherries are in season, and the flavor is incredibly fresh.
Lightened Frosting: For a less-sweet frosting, I sometimes cut the powdered sugar by a quarter and add a splash more milk. It still gets beautifully fluffy without being too rich, perfect for warmer days or those who prefer a lighter touch.
Dietary Tweaks: Want to make it gluten-free? There are excellent gluten-free white cake mixes that work perfectly. Just ensure your cake mix replacement aligns with the other ingredients, and you can enjoy your Cherry Chip Cake worry-free.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

A two-layer pink cake slice sits on a stack of three white plates, with a white marbled surface underneath. Each cake layer is light pink with tiny red fruit bits inside. Between the layers, there is a smooth pink frosting spread evenly. The top layer is covered with the same pink frosting, decorated with three bright red cherries on top, each with a stem, placed over swirls of frosting. Behind the cake, a white pitcher holds wooden spoons, and a glass of milk is visible, all on the white marbled background with a red cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Cherries

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it nicely primed for baking. Meanwhile, give your maraschino cherries a quick rinse and dry them well—this keeps the cake from getting too wet. Chop about 10 ounces finely, but hold onto some whole cherries for a lovely garnish later. Don’t forget to save the cherry juice—it’ll add that signature cherry punch to your cake and frosting.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Your Batter

Melt ½ cup of butter until it’s just liquid but not too hot to work with—this prevents scrambling the eggs when mixed in. In a large bowl, combine your white cake mix, chopped cherries, melted butter, 3 eggs, ½ cup of milk, and ½ cup of reserved cherry juice. Mix everything until it’s smooth and evenly blended, with those lovely cherry bits invitingly spread throughout.

Step 3: Prepare Pans and Bake

Spray two 8 or 9-inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper if you prefer. Evenly split your batter between the prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing!

Step 4: Cool Cakes Completely

Let the cakes cool briefly in their pans—just enough that they’re safe to handle without crumbling. Then, carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial because frosting a warm cake can cause your buttercream to melt and slide off.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cherry Buttercream Frosting

In a large bowl, mix together your softened butter, powdered sugar, 6 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of that reserved maraschino cherry juice. Beat the mixture until it’s fluffy and smooth—perfect for spreading and piping. The cherry juice adds the perfect hint of fruity brightness that makes this frosting stand out.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cooled cake layer onto your cake plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting evenly over the top. Gently place the second cake layer on top, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. For an elegant touch, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe decorative borders around the top and bottom edges. Finally, garnish with those whole reserved maraschino cherries—you’ll love how cheerful and inviting it looks.

Step 7: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Slice your beautiful Cherry Chip Cake into 16 generous pieces and serve your guests with pride. Whether it’s for a celebration or just a special sweet treat, each slice delivers moist cake, bursts of cherry flavor, and luscious buttercream. Enjoy!

Top Tip

These tips come from a lot of baking adventures with the Cherry Chip Cake Recipe, helping ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly frosted every time.

Cooling is Key: Always let your cake layers cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. I learned over time that frosting too soon makes the buttercream melt and slide right off.
Cherry Prep Matters: Rinse and dry your maraschino cherries well to avoid extra moisture in the batter, which can affect the cake's texture. I like to save a few whole cherries for a festive garnish.
Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter for your frosting is softened but not melted. This keeps the frosting smooth and fluffy when you beat it up with the powdered sugar and cherry juice.
Use Non-Stick Spray: Spraying your cake pans thoroughly or lining with parchment paper really helps when you remove the warm cakes, preventing breakage or crumbs.

How to Serve Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

A clear glass mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with light orange batter as the base layer. On top of the batter, there is a layer of bright red chopped pieces scattered evenly. A whisk with a silver metal end and a light wooden handle is placed in the bowl, partly submerged in the batter and red pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your Cherry Chip Cake by adding a few reserved whole maraschino cherries on top, either whole or sliced for visual appeal. A light dusting of powdered sugar or some edible glitter can add a festive sparkle if you're serving for a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This cherry cake pairs beautifully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a refreshing contrast, try serving it alongside a citrus fruit salad or a light berry compote. If you want a warm touch, a cup of rich coffee or spiced tea is ideal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cherry Chip Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep the cake moist and the frosting fresh. After that, it’s best to refrigerate it to maintain quality, though it may firm up the frosting slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake either as whole layers or fully assembled slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. The cake freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you'd like a slightly warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the frosting can become too soft or melt.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh or frozen cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! If you substitute fresh or frozen cherries, just reduce or adjust the added liquids like milk and cherry juice accordingly to maintain the right batter consistency.

Why is my frosting too runny?

Runny frosting usually means the butter was too warm or melted. Make sure to use softened but firm butter and add milk gradually. If needed, chill the frosting slightly before spreading.

How long will the Cherry Chip Cake stay fresh?

At room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about 2 days. Refrigerate to extend freshness but be aware the frosting may firm up or slightly change texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You could try substituting dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, such as dairy-free butter and milk, but results might vary slightly in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is truly a joy in the kitchen — from mixing up the cherry-filled batter to decorating with cream and bright garnishes. It’s a cake that’s both nostalgic and fresh, perfect for celebrations or just a cozy treat. I hope you enjoy every delicious slice as much as I do!