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 juice (reserve some cherries for garnish); ½ cup butter; 3 eggs; ½ cup milk; ½ cup cherry juice reserved from above; 2 sticks unsalted butter softened to room temperature; 2 pounds powdered sugar; 6 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice from above

Nothing says cozy celebration like a slice of this **Cherry Chip Cake Recipe**. Imagine tender white cake bursting with cherries and a luscious cherry buttercream frosting that makes every bite a nostalgic delight. Let me walk you through why this might just become your new favorite!

A two-layer round cake covered with smooth light pink frosting, each layer clearly defined. The top edge of the cake is decorated with piped pink frosting stars evenly spaced around the circle. Bright red cherries with stems are placed on top of every other frosting star, adding a pop of color. The cake sits on a simple white plate, set against 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’ve made this cake more times than I can count—there’s something magically nostalgic about the way those maraschino cherries pop throughout the moist layers and how the cherry-infused buttercream ties it all together.

Cherry-packed goodness: Real chopped maraschino cherries throughout keep every bite bursting with fruit flavor.
Moist & tender crumb: The white cake mix combined with cherry juice makes for an incredibly soft texture.
Rich cherry buttercream: Creamy frosting infused with cherry juice adds a perfect sweet-tart finish.
Party-ready presentation: Garnished with whole cherries and piped frosting, it’s as pretty as it is delicious.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for ingredients, freshness is key here. Grab good quality maraschino cherries and don’t toss that juice—it’s a hidden gem that adds charm both in the batter and the frosting.

Flat lay of a small mound of white cake mix powder, a handful of bright red maraschino cherries with stems, a few tablespoons of vibrant cherry juice in a small white ceramic bowl, a half cup of melted golden butter in a small white bowl, three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a half cup of fresh milk in a small white bowl, two sticks of pale unsalted butter softened at room temperature on a simple white ceramic plate, a small bowl filled with fine white powdered sugar, six tablespoons of milk in a small white bowl, two tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice in another small white bowl, all arranged symmetrically in perfect proportions 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: Provides a reliable, fluffy base perfect for soaking up cherry flavors.
Maraschino cherries: Bring sweetness and color, plus their juice boosts the overall cherry taste.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake and frosting.
Eggs: Give structure and help bind all the ingredients.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
Powdered sugar: Essential for that silky, sweet buttercream texture.

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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 tweak it to suit your taste or the occasion. Whether you want to add a little extra cherry punch or try a seasonal twist, this cake can easily become your signature sweet treat.

Variation: For a delightfully fresh twist, I sometimes swap maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen cherries. It adds a natural tartness that pairs beautifully with the buttercream. Just remember to adjust the sweetness in the frosting so it balances perfectly!
Dietary-Friendly: If you want to make a dairy-free version, try using plant-based butter and milk alternatives—it still tastes amazing and lets everyone enjoy a slice.
Seasonal Flair: During the holidays, I like adding a splash of almond extract to the batter for a cozy, festive note that enhances the cherry flavor wonderfully.
Cherry Boost: To deepen the cherry flavor in the frosting, adding an extra tablespoon of reserved cherry juice is a simple trick that makes a big difference.

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

A two-layer pink cake slice sits on a stack of three white plates, each layer light and fluffy with small red pieces inside. Between the two cake layers is a smooth pink frosting layer, and the slice's top is covered with the same pink frosting. Three bright red cherries with stems are placed on top, each resting on a small swirl of frosting. In the background, there is a white jug holding wooden spoons, a white bowl full of red cherries, a glass of milk, and a red cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your oven is perfectly ready for the cake batter. Next, grab your two 8 or 9-inch cake pans and spray them with non-stick spray. This simple step guarantees your cakes release smoothly once baked, avoiding any sticky surprises.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Prep Cherries

Melt your ½ cup of butter completely — this will blend beautifully into the batter, making your cake moist and tender. Meanwhile, rinse and dry your maraschino cherries thoroughly. Drying is key here to avoid adding excess moisture that could throw off the batter’s consistency. Then chop about 10 ounces of those cherries, reserving some whole cherries and their juice for garnish and frosting.

Step 3: Combine the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mix the white cake mix, chopped cherries, melted butter, 3 eggs, ½ cup milk, and ½ cup of the reserved cherry juice. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and you see those juicy cherry pieces evenly distributed. This is what makes the Cherry Chip Cake Recipe so special — each bite has bursts of cherry flavor!

Step 4: Bake Your Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Slide them into the oven and bake for 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. That golden moment means your cake layers are perfectly baked — moist, fluffy, and ready to be cooled.

Step 5: Cool and Frost

Once baked, allow your cakes to cool slightly in the pans before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here is important — frosting a warm cake can cause your buttercream to melt. While the cakes cool, prepare the cherry buttercream frosting by beating together 2 sticks of softened unsalted butter, 2 pounds powdered sugar, 6 tablespoons milk, and 2 tablespoons reserved maraschino cherry juice until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble and Decorate

Place one cooled cake layer on your cake plate. Spread a generous layer of cherry buttercream on top, then gently add the second cake layer. Frost the entire cake evenly with the remaining frosting. For a polished finish, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe decorative borders around the top and bottom edges. Finally, garnish with those reserved maraschino cherries for a classic and elegant touch.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Slice your beautiful Cherry Chip Cake Recipe into 16 slices, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight. This cake’s moist texture and vibrant cherry flavor make it a standout dessert for any celebration or cozy get-together.

Top Tip

These tips will help you achieve the perfect Cherry Chip Cake every time — moist, flavorful, and beautifully frosted!

Reserve Enough Cherry Juice: I always make sure to save plenty of cherry juice when chopping the maraschino cherries. It adds that lovely, sweet cherry flavor to both the cake batter and buttercream frosting, making the cake taste truly special.
Completely Cool the Cakes: Through trial and error, I learned frosting warm cake layers causes the buttercream to melt and slide off. So I’m patient and let the cakes cool fully on wire racks before frosting.
Use a Piping Bag for Polished Edges: Piping the frosting around the top and bottom edges with a star tip not only looks professional but also helps trap the crumbs and keeps your cake looking clean and inviting.
Don’t Skip the Non-Stick Spray: I once skipped this step and ended up with broken cake layers. Spraying the pans thoroughly ensures your cakes release perfectly and remain intact.

How to Serve Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

A clear glass mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface filled with a creamy light orange batter. On top of the batter, there is a pile of bright red chopped cherries. A whisk with a wooden handle is partially dipped into the batter, ready to mix the cherries in. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your cherry chip cake slices with a few whole maraschino cherries for a pop of color and extra cherry goodness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds adds a subtle crunch and elegant touch. For an extra hint of freshness, a small mint leaf on each slice pairs beautifully with the cherry flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cherry Chip Cake Recipe alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the sweet cherry buttercream. Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries make refreshing accompaniments. A hot cup of coffee or herbal tea also pairs wonderfully for a cozy dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cherry chip cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, giving you several chances to indulge.

Freezing

You can freeze the frosted cake by wrapping it carefully in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Reheating

Since this is a frosted cake, reheating isn’t necessary, but if you prefer your slice a bit warmer, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This softens the cake and buttercream without melting it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! Fresh or frozen cherries can be used, but since they’re less sweet than maraschino cherries, you might want to slightly reduce the sugar in the frosting or add a little more powdered sugar to balance the flavor.

How do I prevent the cherry buttercream from being too runny?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and measure the cherry juice carefully. If the frosting feels too soft, add a bit more powdered sugar until it reaches a spreadable consistency.

Is it necessary to cool the cake layers completely before frosting?

Absolutely. Frosting warm cake causes the buttercream to melt and slide off, which can make decorating difficult and messy.

How many slices does this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe yield?

This recipe yields 16 generous slices, perfect for sharing at any celebration or gathering.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is such a joyful experience—the juicy maraschino cherries baked right into a moist white cake and paired with creamy, cherry-infused buttercream frosting just feels like a celebration with every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment with a slice, I hope this cake brings you as much happiness as it has brought me.