Name: Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream 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 reserved maraschino cherry juice; 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 2 pounds powdered sugar; 6 tablespoons milk; 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice

If you love a sweet, cherry-filled treat that’s moist and bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream Recipe. It’s a white cake packed with juicy maraschino cherries and topped with luscious cherry buttercream—perfect for celebrations or anytime you want to impress.

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 with Buttercream Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this cherry chip cake more times than I can count—every single time it comes out perfectly moist, fruity, and downright irresistible. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a go-to dessert I happily share with friends.

Delicious cherry flavor: The maraschino cherries both inside and on top infuse each bite with sweet cherry goodness.
Moist and tender crumb: Using cherry juice and butter makes this cake incredibly soft and flavorful.
Easy to make: Starting with a white cake mix means you can have a show-stopping dessert ready quickly.
Beautiful presentation: The cherry buttercream frosting and garnish make it perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Shopping for this cherry chip cake is fun—just grab a quality white cake mix, maraschino cherries, and a few simple basics. The cherries and their juice are the stars here, adding that perfect cherry twist you won’t find in any ordinary cake.

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: This serves as the trusty base that keeps the cake light, fluffy, and tender.
Maraschino cherries: Chopped cherries bring bursts of sweet, bright flavor and beautiful red flecks throughout the cake.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, ensuring the cake stays soft and delicious.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and lend structure.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and contributes to the moist texture.
Reserved maraschino cherry juice: Infuses the batter and frosting with extra cherry flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Unsalted butter (for frosting): Softened to room temperature for easy whipping and a creamy finish.
Powdered sugar: The sweet base for the frosting that combines perfectly with the cherry juice.

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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

One of the best parts about this Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you're looking to add a twist or tailor it for a special occasion, there are plenty of fun variations to explore!

Cherry Almond Delight: I love adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the batter and frosting for a lovely, nutty aroma that perfectly complements the cherry flavors.
Chocolate Cherry Swirl: Swirl in some softened chocolate ganache into the frosting before spreading it on for an extra indulgent treat – cherry and chocolate are a classic combo!
Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free white cake mix blend. The cake stays just as moist and delicious.
Cherry Chip Cupcakes: Want individual portions? Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins and bake for about 18-20 minutes at 350°F. Perfect for parties or lunchbox treats!
Seasonal Spin: For a summer twist, fold in fresh cherries instead of maraschino. Just reduce the added cherry juice slightly to keep the batter balanced.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream 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 & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your batter is ready. While the oven heats, spray two 8 or 9-inch cake pans with non-stick spray so your cakes release easily after baking.

Step 2: Melt Butter & Prep Cherries

Melt your ½ cup of butter gently until fully liquid, then set it aside to cool slightly—this keeps it from scrambling the eggs once combined. Meanwhile, rinse your maraschino cherries and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Keeping the cherries dry is key to keeping your batter moist but not soggy. Chop 10 ounces of cherries and save a few whole ones for garnishing later.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, chopped cherries, melted butter, 3 eggs, ½ cup milk, and ½ cup of the reserved maraschino cherry juice. Using a hand mixer or sturdy whisk, blend everything together until smooth and well incorporated. You’ll notice the cake batter has a lovely pinkish hue and sweet cherry aroma that’s just irresistible!

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Evenly divide the batter between your prepared pans. Place them in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the oven in the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. Once done, let the cakes cool slightly in the pans before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for a smooth frosting experience.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cherry Buttercream

While the cakes cool, it’s time to make the luscious cherry buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat together 2 sticks of softened unsalted butter, 2 pounds of powdered sugar, 6 tablespoons of milk, and 2 tablespoons of reserved maraschino cherry juice. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and spreadable. If it feels a little too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, sprinkle in a bit more powdered sugar.

Step 6: Assemble & Frost Your Cake

Place one of the cooled cake layers on your cake plate or stand. Spread a generous amount of cherry buttercream evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Gently place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake smoothly. For an elegant finish, use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe decorative borders along the top and bottom edges.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Finish off your beautiful Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream by garnishing with the reserved whole maraschino cherries. The bright red cherries pop against the soft pink frosting, making this cake truly stunning. Slice into 16 pieces and serve to delighted guests. Enjoy every moist, flavorful bite!

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail your Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream Recipe every time while making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Dry Your Cherries Well: Make sure to thoroughly rinse and pat dry your maraschino cherries before mixing them into the batter. This prevents extra moisture from weighing down the cake and keeps it perfectly moist, not soggy.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs at room temperature blend more evenly, giving you a smooth batter and frosting with no lumps—something I learned after a few bumpy batches!
Don’t Skip the Reserved Cherry Juice: Incorporating the reserved cherry juice into both the cake and the buttercream frosting really elevates the cherry flavor and adds a subtle, juicy brightness throughout.
Pipe Your Frosting for a Professional Touch: Using a star tip to pipe frosting around the edges not only makes the cake look stunning but also helps keep those beautiful garnished cherries in place.

How to Serve Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream 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

Besides the lovely reserved maraschino cherries you can place on top, consider adding a few sprigs of fresh mint for a pop of green and freshness. A light dusting of powdered sugar or edible glitter can also add an elegant touch, making this cake even more festive.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with simple vanilla ice cream or a scoop of cherry sorbet to enhance the cherry notes. For a warm contrast, serve alongside lightly whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce to balance the sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cherry Chip Cake fresh and moist, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for perfect taste and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately before frosting. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and frost as usual. This is great for prepping ahead for celebrations!

Reheating

Since this is a cake best served at room temperature, simply let slices sit out for 30 minutes before eating. If you prefer a slightly warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, but don’t overdo it—your frosting might soften too much.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used, but since they are less sweet and have less juice, you might want to add a bit of sugar and cherry juice for flavor balance. Also, fresh cherries have more moisture, so be mindful of that when mixing the batter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the white cake mix for a gluten-free vanilla cake mix of equal quantity. Just ensure all other ingredients like baking powder or additives in your cherry juice or frosting are gluten-free.

How long can I store the frosted cake at room temperature?

This cake tastes best within 2 days when kept covered at room temperature. After that, you might notice the frosting texture change or the cake dry out slightly.

Can I make the buttercream frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cherry buttercream frosting a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting your cake, then beat it again to restore a smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cherry Chip Cake with Buttercream Recipe is truly a joyful experience that brings a beautiful cherry flavor to your celebrations. From mixing that colorful batter to decorating with luscious frosting and cherries, every step feels special. I hope you enjoy sharing this moist, flavorful cake and that it becomes a cherished treat in your dessert rotation!