Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: 5 Sweet Steps to a Perfect Treat

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about a slice of moist, fluffy cherry chip cake. With its playful pink hue, sweet bursts of cherry flavor, and tender crumb, this dessert feels like a celebration with every bite! Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood birthdays or just craving something colorful and fun, this cherry chip cake recipe will instantly lift your spirits.

Fun fact: Cherry chip cakes became wildly popular in the 1960s when boxed cake mixes were all the rage. Even today, many people fondly remember the joy of seeing those vibrant pink speckles in their homemade creations. That nostalgia makes this cake not just delicious but downright heartwarming.

This recipe is special because it’s incredibly easy to make from scratch — no fancy ingredients or complicated steps needed! It’s perfect for busy weekdays, festive gatherings, or just a sweet weekend treat with the family. Plus, if you’ve loved our classic Vanilla Birthday Cake recipe, you’ll adore this one just as much — it’s the same level of simple, foolproof fun but with a cherry twist!

So grab your mixing bowl and a smile — it’s time to create a cake that’s sure to impress!

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Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: 5 Sweet Steps to a Perfect Treat

What is Cherry Chip Cake?

You might be wondering, what exactly is a cherry chip cake recipe? Is it just a fancy name for a cherry-flavored cake? Not quite! This charming dessert is a delicious twist on the classic vanilla cake — but with a sweet, colorful surprise. Instead of being flavored entirely like cherries, this cake has little bits of real maraschino cherries folded right into the batter, creating adorable “chips” of fruity goodness throughout each bite.

Imagine slicing into a soft, fluffy vanilla cake and discovering tiny pops of juicy, candy-like cherries scattered inside. Every bite brings a burst of flavor and a fun pop of pink, making it as beautiful as it is tasty. It’s like a little party baked right into the cake! Some even say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach — and let’s be honest, this cake could win just about anyone over with its nostalgic charm and irresistible taste.

The name “cherry chip” might sound a bit quirky or old-fashioned, but that’s part of its appeal. It’s a recipe that brings back sweet memories for many and creates brand-new ones for those trying it for the first time. Whether you’re making it for a birthday party, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving something homemade and heartwarming, this cake never disappoints.

Ready to whip up a batch of cherry-studded magic? Trust me, once you try this cheerful, flavorful cake, it’ll become a regular request in your kitchen. Grab your apron and let’s dive into baking a treat that’s as sweet to look at as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: 5 Sweet Steps to a Perfect Treat

1. It’s Bursting with Cherry Flavor
The highlight of this cake is the little bursts of sweet cherry in every single bite. It’s moist, tender, and filled with a light, fruity flavor that feels both indulgent and refreshing.

2. It Saves You Money
Instead of grabbing a pricey bakery cake, you can whip up this homemade version with everyday pantry ingredients. Plus, maraschino cherries are affordable and easy to find year-round.

3. Delicious Extras
Topping the cake with a rich, creamy cherry frosting or a light whipped cream takes it to the next level! You can also sprinkle extra chopped cherries on top for a festive, colorful finish.

If you loved our easy Strawberry Sheet Cake, you’ll definitely enjoy this bright and cheerful cake too. Ready to create a bakery-style treat right in your kitchen? Let’s get started!

How to Make Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Quick Overview

If you’re looking for an easy and impressive dessert, this cherry chip cake recipe is your new best friend. Seriously — it’s so simple that even if you don’t consider yourself a baker, you’ll feel like a pro once you pull this beauty out of the oven. With just about 20 minutes of prep time and a 30-minute bake, you’ll have a homemade, bakery-worthy cake ready to enjoy in under an hour. That’s faster than a trip to the store (and way more delicious)!

What makes this cake truly special is the sweet bursts of cherry chips baked right into a soft and tender vanilla base. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy vanilla flavor and juicy cherry goodness. It’s the kind of cake that makes people smile before they even taste it — those little pops of pink peeking through the slices are just so cheerful and inviting Cherry Chip Cake Recipe.

Plus, this recipe uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, so there’s no need for fancy tools or complicated techniques. Whether you’re making it for a birthday party, a weekend treat, or a last-minute gathering, you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together.

And the best part? You can customize it! Add a cherry glaze, a rich buttercream frosting, or even a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous. No matter how you serve it, this cherry chip cake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser Cherry Chip Cake Recipe.

Ready to bake up something sweet, simple, and totally satisfying? This cherry chip cake recipe has your name written all over it — and trust me, it’ll become one of your go-to desserts in no time!

Key Ingredients for Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: 5 Sweet Steps to a Perfect Treat
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ¾ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)

Step-by-Step Instructions Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: 5 Sweet Steps to a Perfect Treat
  1. Preheat and Prepare
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients
    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients
    Beat in the eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and cherry juice. Mix until well combined.
  5. Combine and Fold
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in the chopped cherries gently to avoid overmixing.
  6. Bake
    Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Frost
    Let the cake cool completely before topping it with your favorite frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar Cherry Chip Cake Recipe.

What to Serve Cherry Chip Cake With

Pair this lovely cake with:

  • A scoop of vanilla ice cream
  • Fresh berries for a refreshing touch
  • A glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee
  • A drizzle of cherry syrup for an extra pop of sweetness

Want to go all out? Try serving it alongside a scoop of our homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream for an unforgettable dessert duo!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

  • Chop Cherries Finely
    Small cherry pieces distribute better throughout the batter, ensuring a “cherry chip” in every bite.
  • Don’t Overmix the Batter
    Gently fold in the cherries to keep the cake light and fluffy.
  • Use Buttermilk for Moisture
    Buttermilk gives the cake an extra tender crumb and slight tang that pairs beautifully with the sweet cherries.
  • Extra Cherry Juice
    Want a more vibrant pink cake? Add an extra tablespoon of maraschino cherry juice to the batter!
  • Add a Cherry Frosting
    Mix a little cherry juice into your frosting for a beautiful pink hue and a boost of flavor.

Storing and Reheating Tips Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

  • Refrigeration:
    Store the cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezing:
    Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
  • Reheating:
    To refresh a slice, microwave it for 10–15 seconds. It’ll taste just like it came out of the oven!

Final Thoughts on This Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

There you have it—an irresistibly sweet and colorful cherry chip cake recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! With its nostalgic cherry “chips,” tender crumb, and simple steps, this cake is perfect for birthdays, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a delicious homemade treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face.

Whether you top it with a fluffy cherry frosting, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with extra cherries or fun toppings to make it your own!

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—feel free to share your creations in the comments below or tag me on social media so I can see your beautiful bakes! Cherry Chip Cake Recipe 🍒✨

Happy baking and enjoy every sweet bite!

Print

Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: 5 Sweet Steps to a Perfect Treat

  • Author: Briana

Ingredients

Scale

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

    • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

    • ½ tsp baking soda

    • ¼ tsp salt

    • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    • 2 large eggs

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • ½ tsp almond extract

    • ½ cup buttermilk

    • ¾ cup finely chopped maraschino cherries (plus extra for topping)

    • 2 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)

Instructions

There’s something truly magical about a slice of moist, fluffy cherry chip cake. With its playful pink hue, sweet bursts of cherry flavor, and tender crumb, this dessert feels like a celebration with every bite! Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood birthdays or just craving something colorful and fun, this cherry chip cake recipe will instantly lift your spirits.

Fun fact: Cherry chip cakes became wildly popular in the 1960s when boxed cake mixes were all the rage. Even today, many people fondly remember the joy of seeing those vibrant pink speckles in their homemade creations. That nostalgia makes this cake not just delicious but downright heartwarming.

This recipe is special because it’s incredibly easy to make from scratch — no fancy ingredients or complicated steps needed! It’s perfect for busy weekdays, festive gatherings, or just a sweet weekend treat with the family. Plus, if you’ve loved our classic Vanilla Birthday Cake recipe, you’ll adore this one just as much — it’s the same level of simple, foolproof fun but with a cherry twist!

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