Cherry cake recipes are one of those sweet treats that just feel like a bite of summertime — especially when you’re using fresh, juicy cherries or a swirl of cherry pie filling.
Whether you’re baking dessert recipes for a special occasion or just craving something fruity and fun, these cakes deliver big flavor with a pop of color.
From fluffy cherry chip cakes to rich chocolate cherry combos and even no-bake options, there’s a version for every mood and skill level.
Some are simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, while others look bakery-worthy with a little frosting flair.
No matter which one you try first, one of these cakes will instantly brighten the table —and the mood.
Tips for Baking Cherry Cake Dessert Recipes
Use fresh or frozen cherries: Fresh cherries give you a juicy burst of flavor, while frozen ones are great for convenience—just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
Cherry pie filling works especially well in dump cakes, poke cakes, or swirled into the batter for extra sweetness and moisture.
Pat cherries dry: Whether you’re using fresh, frozen, or maraschino cherries, remove excess moisture to keep the cake from becoming soggy.
Add almond extract: A splash of almond extract enhances the natural cherry flavor beautifully.
Boost a boxed mix: White, yellow, chocolate, or even cherry chip cake mix can all work. White cake mix lets the cherry color and flavor shine through the most.
Yes, you definitely can! Just make sure to pit them first and slice them in halves or quarters, depending on your recipe.
Can I put maraschino cherries in cake mix?
Yep! They work great in cake mix. Chop them up for bursts of sweetness and color, or leave them whole for a retro-style dessert. Just pat them dry with paper towels first so the extra liquid doesn’t mess with your batter.
How do you stop cherries from sinking in a cake?
Lightly coat them in flour before adding them to the batter. It helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin—thicker batter helps hold fruit in place better while baking.
How to Decorate Cherry Cakes
Fresh, maraschino, or glazed cherries make the perfect finishing touch.
Mix powdered sugar and cherry juice for a pretty pink drizzle.
Sprinkle chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips over the frosting or fold into batter for a Black Forest cake vibe.
Pipe on whipped cream to create swirls or rosettes and add a cherry on top—classic sundae style!
If you’re loving all things cherry right now, you’ll want to check out these other delicious and creative dessert ideas too—they’re full of flavor and fun twists!
These Dr Pepper cupcakes combine the fizzy sweetness of Dr Pepper with rich chocolate for a flavor combo that’s totally unexpected and seriously good.
Moist chocolate cake meets bursts of sweet cherries in every bite with these Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes —perfect for when you can’t choose between fruity and fudgy.
This no-churn Cherry Cheesecake Ice Cream brings together the creamy tang of cheesecake with swirls of cherry pie filling for a dreamy frozen dessert.
Whether you’re layering it into bars, cakes, or trifles, cherry pie filling desserts add a bright pop of flavor and color to any sweet creation.
From layered classics to dump-and-go favorites, these easy cake recipes cover every craving and occasion.
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Cherry Dump Cake
Cherry dump cake is the ultimate easy dessert—just dump, bake, and enjoy! With layers of cherry pie filling, yellow cake mix, and melted butter, it comes out golden, gooey, and totally irresistible. Perfect for potlucks, weeknights, or when you’re craving something sweet with zero fuss.
Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake brings together rich chocolate and juicy cherries in one easy dessert recipe. Only four ingredients and one baking pan needed!
A moist cherry-infused sheet cake topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. It's an ideal dessert for gatherings, offering both flavor and elegance.
This vibrant cake features a white base infused with cherry gelatin, creating beautiful red stripes throughout. Topped with a fluffy marshmallow frosting, it's as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
These adorable mini cakes combine the sweet-tartness of cherries with the nutty flavor of almonds, making them perfect for individual servings at parties.
A sophisticated twist on the classic, this cake marries the richness of chocolate with the tang of balsamic-infused cherries.It's a gourmet dessert that's sure to impress.
Inspired by the nostalgic soda, this moist chocolate cake incorporates cherry cola and maraschino cherries, delivering a unique and delightful flavor profile.
A classic combination, this cake features a soft crumb studded with cherries and a hint of almond extract, topped with a light glaze and sliced almonds for added texture.
This cherry cake is soft, moist, and packed with bright cherry flavor in every bite. Made with boxed cake mix and maraschino cherries, it’s a fun and easy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The pretty pink color and light, fluffy texture make it a total crowd-pleaser!
A nostalgic favorite, this cake is dotted with cherry chips and topped with a pink cherry-flavored frosting, bringing back memories of childhood celebrations.
Decadent and dense, this bundt cake is loaded with chocolate and cherries, then drizzled with a rich fudge glaze. It's a chocolate lover's dream come true.
Indulge in this rich chocolate cake filled with sweet cherry pie filling. The combination of moist chocolate layers and juicy cherries creates a decadent dessert that's sure to impress. Ideal for special occasions or a luxurious everyday treat.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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