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Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cake Made Easy

Delicious Maraschino Cherry Cake Made Easy

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If there is one thing that we all love, it’s a delicious cake that is done in 45 minutes maximum and is incredibly easy to make.

Today, we will do just that. This amazing Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delight that will no doubt change the way you make desserts, so let’s get started.

Flavor Packed Maraschino Cherry Cake

Maraschino Cherry Cake

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Treat yourself to this flavor packed and simple to make Maraschino Cherry Cake that is a must-try.

Ingredients

  • For the cake:
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup oil
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 16 maraschino cherries, cut into quarters
  • For the frosting:
  • 4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ⅓ cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 Tablespoon maraschino cherry juice

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute Ingredients

Who says you have to stick to the original recipe? Get creative with your ingredients! If you’re out of maraschino cherries, try fresh cherries or other fruits like strawberries or peaches for a twist.

Swap almond extract with vanilla for a different flavor profile, or use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.

You can even replace the oil with coconut oil for a light tropical flavor—there’s no wrong way to make this cake your own!

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.

We want that cake to slide out with ease once it’s done! A well-prepped dish ensures no sticky surprises.

2. Mix It Up: In a large bowl, grab your stand mixer or hand mixer and add 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup of oil, 3/4 cup water, 1/4 cup of maraschino cherry juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract.

Beat everything together until it’s nice and smooth. This will create the perfect, flavorful base for the cake.

Cake Mixture In A Large Bowl

3. Add the Cake Mix: Now it’s time to pour in a box of vanilla cake mix. Mix everything together until smooth and lump-free.

If you’re using a stand mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to catch all the batter and make sure everything is well incorporated. No lumps allowed!

Vanilla Cake Mix Combined With Fruit Mixture In A Large Bowl

4. Cherry Time: Now, gently fold in 16 maraschino cherries. The cherries will add sweet bursts of flavor throughout the cake, so take your time to mix them evenly.

The little cherry pieces will create delightful pockets of sweetness with every bite. It’s the cherry on top, literally!

Cherries Placed On Top Of The Cake Mixture

5. Bake It Up: Pour the cherry-infused batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the most wonderful aroma. Once done, let it cool and get ready for the magic!

Cake Mixture Poured Into A Baking Dish

6. Frosting Fun: Once the cake is cool, it’s time to make the frosting. In a large bowl, mix together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/3 cup softened salted butter until smooth and creamy.

Butter And Cream Cheese Mixture

7. Add the Sweet Stuff: Slowly add in 2 cups of powdered sugar (start slow so you don’t end up covered in a sugar cloud!). 

Then, mix in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and 1 tablespoon maraschino cherry juice for that perfect cherry-almond flavor.

Cherry Mixture In A Large White Bowl

8. Frost & Finish: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. To make it extra pretty, top each slice with a maraschino cherry.

Finished Maraschino Cherry Cake

Serving Suggestions

Maraschino Cherry Cake Served With A Maraschino Cherry Syrup

This cake is fabulous on its own, but why not elevate it?

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast, or top it with whipped cream and extra cherries for a festive touch.

Drizzle with maraschino cherry syrup for extra flair or pair with coffee or tea for a cozy treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser either way!

Healthier Alternatives

Healthier Alternatives

Want a lighter version? Swap the oil for unsweetened applesauce to cut fat, or use whole wheat or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.

You can also replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit, and fresh cherries can replace maraschinos for a naturally sweet flavor.

These swaps let you enjoy the cake guilt-free!

Storage Tips

Maraschino Cherry Cake In A Fridge

After baking, allow your cake to cool completely before storing it. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

If you want to keep it fresh longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. For extended storage, freeze it!

Just slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or microwave for a warm, fresh slice!

Now that you have finished your Maraschino cherry cake, you can finally dig in and enjoy this incredible delight.

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