Maraschino cherries are such a unique treat!
They’re succulent, sweet, juicy, and just delicious overall. As good as these fruity delights are on their own, they’re even better when incorporated into maraschino cherry recipes!
With this article, you’ll be able to cook up your own amazing maraschino cherry desserts. I’ve rounded up all of my favs, including:
- Cherry Bourbon Slush
- Cherry Margarita
- Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- Shirley Temple
- Maraschino Cherry Pound Cake
- Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
Just to name a few…
Yum! Let’s dive into the best recipes with maraschino cherry.
Cherry Bourbon Slush
After something boozy, refreshing, and sweet? Look no further!
This fun cocktail has it all: delicious bourbon, sweet maraschino cherries, and tart and refreshing soda.
You only need 4 ingredients and 7 minutes!
Add all the ingredients into your blender, and blend until it’s nice and smooth.
Pour your slush into two cocktail glasses, garnish with a maraschino cherry, throw in a swirly straw or a little umbrella to really make it a party!
I love serving this drink at barbecues and other warm outdoor occasions.
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
Do you crave a sinful treat? Grab a mixing bowl because these Double Chocolate Cherry Cookies are a chocoholics dream! From start to finish, you’ll be done within 30 minutes.
It’s a soft fudge cookie with a sweet maraschino cherry sitting right in the center. And wait… it’s drizzled with a chocolate fudge sauce, too. Forgot about dieting – you deserve a break!
First, cream that butter and both sugars, then add the eggs and mix in. Slowly blend the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and baking soda mixture. A little vanilla and cherry juice to finish up, cover, and put it into the fridge for 30 mins.
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty.
Roll that dough into one-inch balls, place them on a parchment-covered cookie sheet and leave a nice little cherry-sized indentation in the center. Insert your cherry and bake for 10 mins.
Whilst they’re baking, melt your chocolate chips and condensed milk together on low temp. Once it’s all melted and delicious, add a splash of cherry juice and drizzle to your heart’s delight over the cooled cookies.
Now, doesn’t that sound like a bit of dessert haven right at your fingertips?
You can even freeze these cookies for later (if they last).
Cherry Margarita
If you’re looking to class it up a little, try this cherry margarita!
It still gives you that frozen cherry goodness, but also adds in high-end tequila and fancy garnish.
It’s absolutely perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just any summer parties. Plus, it’s incredibly quick to make.
I especially love this recipe as it incorporates the juice from the cherries, making sure nothing goes to waste.
Now, here’s a quick tip: the more you muddle these cherries, the more cherry flavor you’re going to get. So aim for about 45-60 seconds of muddling, and then shake it all up for a good 20-40 seconds.
Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream frosting is pretty darn good as it is, but this recipe gives it a unique tangy cherry flavor as well as being delightfully (and naturally) bright pink!
This frosting is perfect on chocolate or cherry cakes, or even cupcakes, brownies, and bar cookies too.
Plus, it primarily uses the juice from the cherries (although adding in some diced cherries for texture is recommended) – so it’s a great choice to pair with other recipes on this list.
This whole process won’t take too long (20 minutes tops) , just enough time to listen to your favorite podcast episode or catch up on a TV show. Plus, it makes enough to frost a sheet cake, two-layer cake or a batch of cupcakes!
Shirley Temple
After a fancy drink that’s alcohol-free?
Shirley Temples are a classic for a reason! It’s so easy as well: you only need grenadine, lemon-lime soda (Sprite will do in a pinch), and maraschino cherries to make this sparkling delight.
It was my absolute favorite when I was a kid, and it holds up to this day.
Maraschino Cherry Pound Cake
This cake is the ultimate pairing of homey comfort and fifties glam!
It’s so easy to make, too. The only fancy equipment you need is a pound cake tin (although the recipe can be adapted to work in a standard cake tin as well, so you don’t even really need that).
It is a velvety, buttery cake packed with pureed Maraschino cherries both inside the cake and in the glaze too.
The cake can last anywhere from 3 to 4 days at room temperature, so no worries if you can’t devour it all in one sitting!
Can’t finish it? No worries!
You can freeze it for 4-6 months and enjoy it later. Doesn’t that take the cake – literally?
Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
If you’re a fan of cherry garcia ice cream, this similar recipe might be the best maraschino cherry ice cream recipe out there.
Plus, it’s homemade – meaning it’s yummier and cheaper! This dessert is rich, creamy, and decadent.
You can use regular cherries if you don’t have maraschino on hand, but I recommend them for a brighter color and fresher taste.
Making this Roasted Cherry Ice Cream is child’s play. Just preheat your oven to 425°F, prepare a baking pan with parchment paper, wash, pit, and halve your cherries. Lay them across the baking pan and roast for 20 minutes, until the cherries start to look juicy. Then sprinkle some sugar to coax out more of their delicious sweetness. Sound
Heat the cream, milk, sugar, and salt on the stove until it simmers, take it off the heat, and add the almond extract and chocolate. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is smooth, cool, then chill until cold. Pour this into your ice cream machine and churn to the chilly delight.
Add chopped cherries just before it’s fully churned and voila—your ice cream is ready to serve!
Trifle
If you want to show off with a stunning and amazing dessert (but not actually put that much work in), trifle is definitely for you.
Trifle is a layered dish of fruit, cake, and custard; this means it’s totally up to you if you want to do each step by hand!
One of the best things about making a trifle is its versatility.
Fancy a chocolate trifle? Swap the white cake with a chocolate one. Or maybe replace that custard layer with a no-bake cheesecake.
Excited to try it? Well, it’s easy as pie!
Start by cubing the cake and layering half of it in a glass bowl. Then drizzle half of the liquer and add sliced strawberries and custard. Repeat the layers and cover it with whipped cream.
Don’t forget to chill it before serving!
See? It’s simpler than you think and the end result is stunning.
And here’s a secret tip: it tastes even better when made ahead as the flavors get time to mingle. Just be sure to add the whipped cream topping right before serving. Now believe me when I say – It’s really hard to mess up a trifle.
Maraschino Cherry Bars
These bars are super easy to make, and they taste so sweet and welcoming!
I often prepare this recipe when I’m craving a pop tart (but know that actually buying one won’t match the happy childhood memories.)
To begin with, chop up the maraschino cherries and set them aside. Next, cream your butter and sugar together. Add in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract and give it a good stir. Lastly, throw in the flour, salt, and the chopped cherries you prepared earlier.
Pop the bars into your oven preheated to 350°. Bake them for about 15 minutes and they are good to go. After they cool, drizzle them with a simple, sugar-y glaze. Yummy!
A tip: Make sure you chill the dough a bit before trying to spread it out in the pan – trust me, it helps!
The maraschino cherries give a crazily “artificial” looking pink color to the glaze, even though the dessert is fully homemade.
Aviation Cocktail
This cocktail is a classic one, but it’s still so stunning.
I find the deep violet color of this drink especially appealing. While it doesn’t technically include maraschino cherries (just the liqueur), I had to include it on this list so more people would try it.
You’d need 2 ounces gin, 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur and crème de violette liqueur each, 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a flamed lemon peel for garnish.
First, gather your ingredients. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin, liqueurs, and lemon juice. Shake well and strain it into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with the flamed lemon peel and voila! Enjoy!
Always feel free to add a cherry as garnish if you’re a fan!
Pineapple and Cherry Ham
If you’re looking to incorporate maraschino cherries into your main course, ham is the way to go.
It’s probably the best meat for complementing sweet flavors, and this Hawaiian fusion recipe makes it absolutely shine!
You’ll need a whole ham (I prefer a fully cooked, smoked spiral-cut one), pineapple rings, and maraschino cherries.
You will also need brown sugar, honey, yellow mustard for tang, and a mix of spices such as nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and ginger.
All you have to do is to decorate the ham with pineapples and cherries, make the glaze, and then pour it all over the ham. Add it in the oven, and in just an hour, you’ll have the juiciest, most flavorful holiday ham ever!
This ham works wonders for a myriad of leftover ideas: ham sliders, ham and pineapple fried rice, or even eggs Benedict for your holiday brunch!
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
I don’t know anyone that isn’t a fan of fudge! But not just any fudge, no. I’m talking about the White Chocolate Cherry Fudge.
This confectionery fudge is packed full of juicy maraschino cherries enveloped in creamy white chocolate and has a fluffy texture thanks to marshmallow cream!
Preparation time? Just five minutes.
Cooking? 25 minutes.
But, you’ll need to rest it for three and a half hours before diving in. I know it’s hard but it’s worth the wait!
This recipe is a dinner party favorite because even if my guests don’t want any dessert at the time (it’s always my goal that they go for seconds at dinner), I can send some fudge home with them since it keeps so well!
Banana Split Cheesecake Bars
These bars are just as sliceable as fudge, but they’re a little more unique!
If you’ve ever wondered what an ice cream sundae would taste like as a cake, you’ve come to the right place.
Rich, scrumptious cheesecake, without having to turn on your oven; topped with all your favorite fruit, a drizzle of chocolate and a dollop of ice cream. Oh yes, it’s every bit as dreamy as it sounds.
Plus, this recipe is great for using those over-ripe bananas if you’re tired of making banana bread.
These cheesecake bars are summer on a plate, reminding you of a banana split sundae minus the sticky hassle of melting ice cream.
Hawaiian Banana Bread
Speaking of banana bread, why not try out this twist on the classic recipe?
Adding some pineapple, maraschino cherries, and walnuts to your banana bread leads to a refreshing and exciting new dessert ( or if you’re like my family – breakfast!).
Maraschino Cherry Cookies
Looking for the best maraschino cherry cookies, where the tart, juicy burst of cherry cuts through the dense, rich chocolate?
I got the best recipe for you. The Maraschino Cherry chocolate chip cookie. A delicious mix of cherry and chocolate inside a cookie!
There’s no dough-chilling needed. And you’re going to have warm, gooey cookies coming straight out of the oven in under 30 minutes. 10 minutes prep, 15 minutes in the oven!
- Start with a simple creaming of butter and sugar, add in maraschino cherries and chocolate chips, and voila, you have incredible cookie dough.
- Pop these in the oven, and out they come delectable pink cookies that not only look cute but also taste heavenly!
If you prefer a cherry-dominated cookie, feel free to skip the chocolate chips.
Like ice cream with a cherry on top, these cookies just seem to make everything better!
The cookies freeze well too.
Fun fact – they make superb Valentine’s day gifts and baby shower treats too! Who can resist a cherry-choco chip cookie, after all?
Maraschino Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies
These cookies have the perfect balance of crispy with gooey cherries, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of almond.
They are as gorgeous as they are delicious and only take 20 minutes to whip up.
Making these cookies is like an energetic jazzy tune as it’s all quick and easy. The flavor is something that you’ll treasure, akin to a piece of your favorite classic movie – timeless and beautiful.
- To make them, blend softened butter with almond extract and powdered sugar, then throw in flour, maraschino cherry juice, and cherries.
- Throw in the chocolate chips, roll the mix into balls and flatten them out. In just 12-14 minutes, your cookies are ready.
You can also easily refrigerate or freeze your cookies for later.
Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes
Shaping every 5-year-old’s (and let’s face it – adult’s) dessert dreams, these fluffy, pink cupcakes are incredibly easy to whip up. You won’t believe it until you see it, and taste it!
Baking these cupcakes is like a cherry-scented dance. All you need to do is beat together room-temperature butter, sugar, egg whites, vanilla & almond extract, food coloring and then fold in the dry ingredients with milk.
Finally, stir in the chopped cherries, and voila! Bake them up in muffin cups and sit back.
Remember let them cool before you slather on that creamy frosting, or else it’ll melt and we wouldn’t want that, would we?
Now the frosting, it’s a blend of butter, powdered sugar with that glorious maraschino cherry juice. Butter smooth, gorgeously pink and utterly delicious, a bite into these cupcakes is like stepping into a cherry-rich wonderland.
Chocolate Covered Maraschino Cherries
If you’re hosting a holiday get-together and want to impress with a homemade dessert. I’ve got you covered with my all-time favorite treat: Maraschino cherries dipped in rich, dark chocolate.
Wrapped in dark chocolate, is unbelievably easy to make! It’s gooey, creamy, and packed full of maraschino cherries.
- First, you make a fondant with powdered sugar, butter, and cherry juice—forming a sticky dough to wrap around each cherry.
- Don’t worry if the dough sticks to your hands or workspace, just coat your hands in cooking spray or sprinkle over a little extra powdered sugar. But remember, completely dry your cherries before wrapping them in fondant, else, it’ll not stick.
- Next up, these cherries need a chill-out session in the fridge. Once firm, they’re ready for a chocolate dunk. This recipe uses Ghirardelli Dark Melting Wafers for a thin, glossy coating, but feel free to use your preferred chocolate.
Store these cherries at room temperature to keep that creamy center dreamy.
Now, who said anything about sharing?
But, if you’re feeling generous, these gems make the perfect edible gifts to spread some holiday cheer.
Everyone will be in awe knowing you’ve made them yourself.
Is this so much better than store-bought ones? Anytime, hands down!
Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
Pineapples. You either hate them or love them. There is no in between.
If you like Pineapples, you will love this mini version of the classic pineapple upside-down cake.
You’ll need butter, sugar, cherries, pineapple chunks and some basic baking ingredients for this recipe.
- Start off by placing a bit of melted butter and brown sugar at the bottom of your cupcake pan. Slice and divide the pineapple into small pieces and arrange four tidbits in a flower or cross shape in each cup, placing a single cherry in the middle.
- Combine dry ingredients like the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl. In a separate large bowl, mix up the oil and sugar before beating in the eggs. Blend in the dry ingredients and when the concoction gets too thick and dry, don’t hesitate to add that delicious pineapple juice!
- Spoon your cake batter over the pineapple pieces and cherries until the muffin cups are nearly full. Pop these in the oven and bake until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool, run a knife around the sides, remove them from the pan and voila! Cupcakes, upside-down and ready to enjoy.
Tips:
- If you notice butter seeping out during baking, don’t worry. It’s perfectly normal!
- Also, try to avoid over-mixing the eggs, it could keep your cupcakes from rising.
- And lastly, there is no need for cooking spray – the butter’s got your back!
If not going straight into my belly, I store these cuties at room temperature or in the fridge. They stay good for a day or three respectively. Difficult to resist though!
Maraschino Cherry Cake
This divine, easy-to-make cake will have your mouth watering as the blend of cherries, creamy frosting and a hint of almond hits your palate. You’ll fall in love with this one!
The secret to this recipe is the almond extract. It takes this cake from “good” to “can’t-stop-eating.”
However, if you can’t find it or prefer not to use it, it’s your kitchen rules, just leave it out.
Start by preheating your oven to 350F, mix up your wet ingredients, add the cake mix, then gently fold in the cherries. Pour the mix into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes.
While it cools, whip up the frosting by blending softened cream cheese and butter, before adding powdered sugar (remember, start slowly!), almond extract and cherry juice. Then spread this pink fluffy goodness all over the cooled cake. Top it off with more cherries because well, there’s no such thing as too many cherries, right?
Note: Due to the cream cheese frosting, any uneaten cake needs to be kept in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. But I bet it won’t last that long!
Banana Split
You really can never go wrong with a banana, ice cream, and a cherry on top. This recipe is sure to help you make the best version of this traditional dish!
This yummy banana split is quicker to make than microwave popcorn! All it takes is 5 minutes of your time.
So here’s the scoop (pun intended), to whip up this iconic dessert, all you need is a medium banana split lengthwise. This serves as the foundation of an epic edible structure.
Next, add one scoop each of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream—your triple threat!
Top it off with some juicy fresh strawberries, plump pineapple chunks, whipped cream, chopped peanuts, a drizzle of dreamy chocolate syrup, and the cherry on top literally – two maraschino cherries.
Put it together and what do you have? A feast for the eyes and belly!
Stick the banana in a dessert dish and place the ice cream scoops between the banana, it’s like building your very own ice cream fortress. Then just top with the remaining ingredients and serve immediately.
Remember, speed is of essence, ice cream waits for no one!
21 Best Homemade Maraschino Cherry Recipes
Ingredients
- Cherry Bourbon Slush
- Cherry Margarita
- Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- Shirley Temple
- Maraschino Cherry Pound Cake
- Chocolate Cherry Ice Cream
- Trifle
- Maraschino Cherry Bars
- Aviation Cocktail
- Pineapple and Cherry Ham
- White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
- Banana Split Cheesecake Bars
- Hawaiian Banana Bread
- Maraschino Cherry Cookies
- Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
- Maraschino Cherry Almond Chocolate Cookies
- Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes
- Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
- Chocolate Covered Maraschino Cherries
- Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes
- Maraschino Cherry Cake
- Banana Split
Instructions
- Pick your favorite.
- Enjoy it!