Homemade Cherry Chip Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delightfully moist and flavorful cake with real maraschino cherries
• Light and fluffy texture thanks to whipped egg whites
• Rich, buttery frosting infused with cherry juice for extra sweetness
• Beautifully decorated with cherries, making it visually appealing
• Classic dessert that’s both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake

• 1½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (170g) salted butter, softened
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 4 large egg whites, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2½ cups (353g) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
• ¾ cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
• ¼ cup whole milk, room temperature
• ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (about 1 cup before chopping)

Frosting

• 1½ cups (341g) salted butter, softened
• 1½ cups (341g) vegetable shortening
• 12 cups (1,440g) powdered sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• Additional maraschino cherries with stems for decorating

Directions

Make the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the whole egg, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
5. In another bowl, combine sour cream, milk, and maraschino cherry juice.
6. Alternately add the flour mixture and the wet mixture to the creamed butter, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
7. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter to lighten it.
8. Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries carefully.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat the softened butter and vegetable shortening together until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add maraschino cherry juice, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency and flavor.
4. Continue beating until light and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top.
2. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides evenly.
3. Decorate with whole maraschino cherries with stems for a classic finish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-16
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour (including cooling and frosting)

Variations

• Use fresh cherries when in season instead of maraschino cherries for a natural flavor
• Add a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor
• Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier cake
• Tint the frosting pink with a few drops of food coloring for a festive look
• Make cupcakes instead of a layered cake for easier serving

Storage/Reheating

• Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for best texture.
• Frosting is not suitable for freezing; freezing the cake is possible but may change texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, fresh or frozen cherries can be used but may alter the sweetness and texture slightly.

How do I ensure the egg whites whip properly?

Make sure the bowl and beaters are clean and dry, and beat until stiff peaks form.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

Is the frosting too sweet?

The cherry juice helps balance sweetness, but adjust powdered sugar to taste.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake and frost the cake a day ahead and keep refrigerated.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Store in an airtight container and avoid overbaking.

What kind of pans work best?

Round 8- or 9-inch cake pans or a bundt pan can be used.

Can I freeze the cake?

Freezing is possible but not recommended for frosted cakes due to texture changes.

How do I chop maraschino cherries easily?

Drain well, then chop on a cutting board with a sharp knife.

Can I substitute vegetable shortening?

You can try all butter frosting, but shortening helps create a stable texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Cherry Chip Cake is a timeless dessert filled with sweet maraschino cherries and enveloped in a rich cherry-flavored frosting. Its tender crumb and classic flavors make it a favorite for family gatherings, birthdays, or anytime you want a nostalgic, delicious treat. With this recipe, you can bring that iconic cherry chip flavor to your kitchen with ease.

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