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When the sun begins to shine a little brighter and the days grow longer, I find myself craving something sweetly nostalgic—a dessert that brings a smile with every bite. Enter my Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream, a delightful treat that takes me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and love. This cake is a testament to simplicity and flavor, marrying the bright, fruity essence of maraschino cherries with the creamy richness of homemade vanilla buttercream.

Imagine serving this soft, tender cake at your next potluck or birthday celebration and watching everyone’s faces light up with joy. It’s a treat that’s quick to whip up, thanks to the ease of using a cake mix, but feels like a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this cherry-infused delicacy is bound to become a new favorite in your household!

Why Love Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream?

Deliciously Nostalgic: This Very Cherry Cake brings back warm memories while creating new ones at your gatherings.
Easy Preparation: Using a cake mix means less fuss and more fun in the kitchen!
Fluffy Buttercream: Topped with a creamy vanilla buttercream, it’s a sweet balance of flavors.
Perfect for Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday or potluck, this cake will steal the show!
Customizable Delight: Feel free to explore variations like adding extra cherries or creating cupcakes.

Treat yourself to this delightful cake and see why it’s destined to become your go-to recipe!

Very Cherry Cake Ingredients

For the Cake
• White Cake Mix – This provides a reliable and tender base; substitute with homemade white cake if preferred.
• Water – Helps to hydrate the cake mix; use room temperature water for best results.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice – Enhances the cherry flavor without adding bulk; just the right amount keeps your Very Cherry Cake moist.
• Canola Oil – Ensures the cake remains moist; you can also use vegetable oil as an alternative.
• Egg Whites – Maintains the cake’s light color and soft crumb; whole eggs can be utilized for a richer taste.
• Almond Extract – Deepens the cherry flavor and adds a bakery-style taste; consider using cherry extract to switch it up.
• Red Food Coloring – Optional, but it adds a charming soft pink color to the cake.

For the Buttercream
• Unsalted Butter – Essential for the buttercream, creating richness and creaminess; make sure to let it soften before using.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens and gives structure to your frosting; sifting it prevents lumps for a smooth finish.
• Milk or Heavy Cream – Adjusts the frosting consistency; heavy cream gives a richer texture that complements the cake beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth and a classic flavor; use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
• Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting, enhancing all the flavors.

Get ready to create a cherry dessert that your friends and family will adore!

How to Make Very Cherry Cake

Prepare the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13×9-inch baking pan. In a mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, maraschino cherry juice, canola oil, egg whites, almond extract, and optional red food coloring. Beat the mixture on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and well-blended.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Buttercream: In a separate mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter until creamy and light. Gradually add in the sifted confectioners’ sugar, then pour in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and milk or heavy cream. Beat until the mixture is fluffy and spreadable.
Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, gently spread the vanilla buttercream evenly across the top. Optional: Consider decorating with maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of pink sugar for a delightful touch.

Optional: Add fresh cherries on top for an extra pop of flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream?

Looking to create a delightful spread that complements your cherry-infused dessert? Let’s build a meal that will elevate your Very Cherry Cake to new heights.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes balances the cake’s sweetness, offering a comforting contrast on your plate.
Garlic Green Beans: Fresh, crispy green beans tossed with garlic add a bright and savory note that cuts through the richness of the buttercream.
Classic Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing make for a refreshing side, providing a light counterpoint to the dense cake.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The natural sweetness from the honey enhances the cherry flavor of the cake while adding vibrant color to your meal.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream beside a slice of cake melts into a dreamy, cherry-vanilla experience.
Sparkling Lemonade: This fizzy drink offers a refreshing contrast, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites of the sweet cake.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: An assortment of cookies adds a fun, nostalgic touch that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Pairing these delicious options with your Very Cherry Cake will surely make your next gathering memorable and enormously satisfying!

Storage Tips for Very Cherry Cake

Room Temperature: Store your Very Cherry Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its moist texture and delightful flavor.
Fridge: If you need a bit more time, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This will keep it fresh and delicious while preventing it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.
Reheating: When you’re ready to serve, you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance that fresh-baked taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream treats are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cake up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the cake as directed, allow it to cool completely, and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For the buttercream, feel free to make it ahead of time as well; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, let the buttercream sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before spreading it over the cooled cake. This way, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s just as delicious, with minimal effort on the day of your gathering!

Very Cherry Cake Variations

Customize your Very Cherry Cake to suit your mood or dietary needs with these fun twists!

Gluten-Free: Swap the white cake mix for a gluten-free alternative, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
Egg-Free: Replace egg whites with unsweetened applesauce for a moist texture without eggs, perfect for vegans!
Berry Burst: Mix in a handful of blueberries or raspberries to add delightful fruitiness beside the cherries.
Nutty Flavor: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, for a crunchy texture and nutty goodness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the frosting for a rich, decadent flair that pairs beautifully with cherries.
Coconut Delight: Fold in shredded coconut into the batter, giving your cake a tropical twist that’s both surprising and delicious.
Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter for a fresh, vibrant lift to the sweet cherry flavor.
Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note that makes the cake even more comforting.

Experiment with these variations and fall in love with the endless possibilities!

Expert Tips for Very Cherry Cake

• Avoid Overmixing: This can lead to a dense cake; mix until just combined for that light, fluffy texture.
• Proper Cooling: Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent melting the vanilla buttercream.
• Right Juice Amount: Use maraschino cherry juice sparingly; too much can thin the batter and affect cake consistency.
• Sift Sugar: Always sift the confectioners’ sugar for the buttercream; this helps achieve a smooth and creamy frosting.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for the best mixing results and flavor.

Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe FAQs

How can I choose the right cherries for this cake?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, use fresh maraschino cherries that are bright and vibrant. Look for cherries that are firm and plump, avoiding any that show dark spots or are overly soft. If you’re opting for fresh cherries, ensure they are sweet and ripe for that perfect cherry flavor that enhances your Very Cherry Cake!

How should I store leftover Very Cherry Cake?
You can store your cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. I often find that this keeps the cake moist and delicious. If you need to store it longer, transfer it to the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just make sure to seal it well to prevent it from drying out!

Can I freeze Very Cherry Cake? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your Very Cherry Cake! To do this, wrap the unfrosted cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, ensuring no air is trapped inside. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight, then frost it with that creamy vanilla buttercream—just like fresh!

What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If you find that your Very Cherry Cake turns out denser than expected, it may be due to overmixing the batter. To avoid this, mix the cake batter until just combined; this encourages a lighter texture. Also, check your measuring techniques—using the right amounts of ingredients is key! For next time, gently fold in any add-ins like cherries to keep that fluffiness.

Is this cake suitable for those with allergies?
While this cake is delightful, it does contain common allergens such as eggs and dairy. For a dairy-free option, consider using plant-based butter and non-dairy milk in the buttercream. Additionally, if you have concerns about gluten, you can experiment with a gluten-free cake mix, making it a more inclusive dessert suitable for various dietary needs!