Cherry Chip Cake Recipe: Moist, Soft, and Full of Cherry Flavor

There are some desserts that immediately feel nostalgic, even if you are making them for the first time. A Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is one of those desserts. It reminds many of us of childhood birthdays, family gatherings, or simple afternoons when baking something sweet brought warmth to the kitchen.

This version of a Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is built with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to make a soft, moist, and flavorful cake. It doesn’t require professional skills. You don’t need to be a bakery expert. You just need time, a mixing bowl, and a little interest in creating something comforting.

The light pink crumb with tiny cherry pieces throughout has a casual charm. It looks inviting on its own, without needing fancy decoration. You can serve it at celebrations, or enjoy it as a quiet treat at home. It is the kind of cake that makes you sit down for a moment, take a breath, and enjoy something good.

If you love cherries, this will become one of your favorite homemade cakes.
If you love easy baking, you will enjoy the simple steps.
If you love sharing food with others, this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe will make people smile.

If you loved this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe, you might also enjoy exploring a few other favorites on the blog. Try my Irresistible Lemon Blueberry Mini Cheesecakes.

This Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Here are the main reasons why this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is worth making:

• It is very soft and tender on the inside.
• Each bite contains real cherry flavor.
• The cake looks naturally beautiful and slightly pink.
• It uses common pantry ingredients.
• It is easy to mix, even by hand.
• It works for birthdays, holidays, or a simple weekend dessert.
• You can bake it in different shapes: layer cake, cupcakes, or sheet cake.
• The frosting adds a gentle sweetness without overwhelming the cake.
• The recipe is reliable the cake turns out well every time when you follow the steps.

A Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is more than ingredients. It is a moment of enjoyment. This Cherry Chip Cake Recipe has a friendly personality. It is soft. It is simple. It brings joy without asking for much in return.

Ingredients

You will need the following to make this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe:

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup maraschino cherries, finely chopped and well-drained
• ½ cup cherry chips (or white chocolate chips)
• Optional: a few drops of pink food coloring for a stronger pink color

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup maraschino cherry syrup (from the jar)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt

You will notice that both the cake and frosting include almond extract. This is very intentional. Almond pairs with cherry in a way that enhances the fruit flavor. It makes the cake taste rounder and more complete.

How to Make This Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

Clear instructions for a soft, evenly baked homemade cake.

Step 1 : Preheat and prepare baking pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
This prevents sticking and keeps the cake layers clean and smooth once removed.

Step 2 : Combine the dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisking helps remove lumps and ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3 : Cream the butter and sugar

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes, until the mixture appears pale and creamy.

This step traps air inside the batter, giving the cake a soft and tender crumb.

Step 4 : Incorporate eggs and extracts

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing briefly after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla and almond extract.
You’ll notice the aroma become richer and more expressive — exactly what we want for a cherry cake.

Step 5 : Alternate dry ingredients and milk

Add half of the dry mixture to the bowl and mix just until combined.
Next, add half of the milk and mix again.
Repeat with the remaining flour mixture and milk.

Try not to overmix the batter should remain soft and smooth for the best texture.

Step 6 : Add the cherries and chips

Lightly coat the chopped cherries in a small amount of flour to keep them from sinking.
Fold the cherries and cherry baking chips gently into the batter with a spatula.

At this point, the batter should look lightly pink with small cherry pieces throughout.

Step 7: Optional: enhance the color

If you’d like a deeper pink tone, add 1–2 drops of red food coloring.
Mix carefully a subtle shade keeps the cake looking elegant.

Step 8 : Bake the cake

Pour the batter evenly into the two prepared pans and smooth the tops.
Bake on the middle rack for 25–30 minutes.

To test doneness: insert a toothpick into the center it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9 : Cool completely

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Frosting a warm cake can cause sliding or melting, so this step is important for a clean final result.

Step 10 : Frost and assemble

For the frosting:
Beat the butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar gradually.
Finish with cherry syrup and almond extract until the texture is creamy and spreadable.

Assemble by frosting the top of one layer, placing the second layer above, then covering the entire cake.

Decorate with cherries or sprinkles if desired or keep it clean and minimal.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cherry Chip Cake Recipe

These are small actions, but they all improve texture, flavor, and structure

Variations and Substitutions

This Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is flexible. Here are a few options:

• Cherry Chocolate Chip Cake
  Use dark or white chocolate chips for richer flavor.
• Cupcake Version
  Fill cupcake liners and bake 18–20 minutes.
• Sheet Cake
  Bake in a 9 × 13-inch pan for 30–35 minutes.
• Dairy-Free
  Replace butter with vegan butter and milk with almond milk.
• Natural Cherry Topping
  Add fresh cherries or cherry glaze for decoration.

Each variation brings a new personality to the same soft, delicious base recipe.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

One of the advantages of this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe is that it stores well.

• Room temperature:
  Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator:
  Keep covered for up to 5 days.
• Freezer:
  Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating slices:
  Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you prefer soft frosting and a slightly warm cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?
Yes. A vanilla or cherry cake mix can be used as a base. Add the chopped cherries and almond extract to improve flavor.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?
You can reduce powdered sugar slightly or add a bit more butter for balance.

Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, but the cherry flavor will not be as strong. Almond enhances it without overpowering.

Can I bake this Cherry Chip Cake Recipe in advance?
Yes. You can make the cake layers a day before, wrap them well, and frost them the next day.

How can I make the pink color stronger?
Add a few drops of food coloring to adjust the shade. Start small and add slowly.

The Cherry Chip Cake Recipe offers a calm, elegant baking experience with consistently rewarding results. Its tender crumb, cherry bursts, and subtle pink color make it suitable for celebrations or quiet moments at home. Share it, photograph it, and enjoy it, knowing that this recipe is simple, reliable, and memorable.