Go Back
–+ servings

Very Cherry Cake with Vanilla Buttercream

Please rate us
A delightful cake infused with maraschino cherry juice and topped with rich vanilla buttercream, perfect for celebrations and gatherings.
Print it Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake
  • 1 box white cake mix Standard size box cake mix.
  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice Infuses the cake with cherry flavor.
  • ⅓ cup canola oil Can be substituted with melted coconut oil.
  • 3 pieces egg whites Use large eggs.
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract Optional; can be substituted with vanilla extract.
  • 1-2 drops red food coloring Optional for color.
For the buttercream
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • 4-5 cups confectioners’ sugar Adjust for desired sweetness and consistency.
  • 3-4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream For achieving desired buttercream consistency.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Balances sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, maraschino cherry juice, canola oil, egg whites, almond extract, and optional red food coloring. Mix until smooth.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean.
  2. Cool the cakes in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Making the frosting
  1. In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and confectioners' sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
  2. Gradually mix in the milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Assembling the cake
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of buttercream between the two layers, then frost the top and sides.
  2. Optionally, create decorative swirls with your spatula for that extra flair.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 3gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 240mgSugar: 30g

Notes

Store at room temperature if consuming within a few days; refrigerate for longer freshness. Freezes well. Measure ingredients accurately for the best texture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!