Maraschino cherries are a culinary gem that extends far beyond their traditional use as a topping for ice cream sundaes or banana splits. These versatile ingredients can elevate a wide range of sweet and savory recipes, from decadent cupcakes to refreshing cocktails.
While the majority of these recipes feature maraschino cherries in desserts, they also make appearances in some unexpected places – like savory dishes and even pineapple upside-down cakes.
With their syrupy sweetness and vibrant flavor, it’s no wonder that once you start incorporating them into your cooking routine, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again.
To inspire your culinary creativity, we’ve compiled 20 of the best homemade maraschino cherry recipes for you to try. Before long, you’ll be adding these cherries to everything from classic desserts to innovative new dishes.
Maraschino Cherry Frosting
Transform any baked good into a sweet summertime treat with this quick and easy maraschino cherry frosting recipe. This vibrant pink frosting is made with just four ingredients – maraschino cherry juice, sugar, butter, and extract – and can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for piping onto cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or cakes.
Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color or a burst of flavor to your baked goods, this maraschino cherry frosting is the perfect addition to any summer gathering.
Cherry Margarita
Indulge in the sweet and tangy charm of this cherry margarita recipe, a refreshing spin on the classic cocktail. Perfect for al fresco gatherings like picnics, parties, and BBQs, this concoction is sure to become your go-to summer drink. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make. Simply start by chilling your lowball glass with ice, then use a cocktail shaker to muddle the cherries until they’re tenderly crushed.
Next, add maraschino liqueur, tequila, agave nectar, and lime juice, along with some ice, and give it a 20-second shake. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass, garnish with flair, and get ready to savor the taste of summer.
Shirley Temple
The iconic Shirley Temple mocktail is not only a beloved nonalcoholic beverage but also an integral part of many childhood memories. Its popularity extends far beyond the movies, as it’s often ordered at restaurants and enjoyed by families. But why not recreate this nostalgic treat at home? With just a few simple ingredients – ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, grenadine, and a maraschino cherry for garnish – you can transport yourself back to a simpler time with each sip.
This classic recipe has been a staple in many households since its inception, named after the legendary child actor who left an enduring legacy beyond the silver screen. If you’re looking to elevate your everyday soda experience, look no further than this timeless concoction that combines effervescence and fruity sweetness for a treat suitable for all occasions.
Maraschino Cherry Almond Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the pink hue of these soft cookies may evoke memories of our maraschino cherry chocolate chip cookies recipe, it’s their unique nutty flavor profile that truly sets them apart. Don’t worry, though – there’s still plenty of rich chocolate and fruity cherry notes to be found in each bite.
Aviation Cocktail
The Aviation cocktail is a masterclass in balance and complexity, combining maraschino cherry liqueur, crème de Violette, gin, and lemon juice for a truly unforgettable drink. This revival of a classic cocktail has been a hit in bars nationwide, having made a remarkable comeback over the past half-century.
While it’s undeniably fruit-forward, the Aviation also boasts a strong floral profile courtesy of crème de Violette, which, as its name suggests, is infused with floral flavors.
However, this liqueur also brings subtle notes of herbs and citrus to the table, making for a truly unique drinking experience.
The cocktail’s beautiful light purple hue is only matched by its potent kick, making it a must-try for any gin enthusiast or adventurous drinker.
Maraschino Cherry Bars
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of this maraschino cherry bar recipe, yielding impressive results with minimal effort. The harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors, coupled with a stunning cherry glaze, makes it nearly impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or any other special occasion, these bars add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness to your spread.
With its effortless preparation and foolproof instructions, even novice bakers can confidently join in on the fun – kids included! In under 30 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with light, chewy cookies boasting a deliciously tart taste. Just be warned: these scrumptious treats won’t linger long on the tray!
Pineapple And Cherry Ham
For those seeking a respite from sweet treats, we’ve got just the thing: a pineapple and cherry ham recipe that’s sure to satisfy. While some may find it surprising to combine savory ham with tropical sweetness, rest assured that this unlikely duo works in harmony. The star of the show is tender and succulent ham, topped with juicy pineapple slices that add a burst of flavor and aroma to each bite.
To elevate the dish even further, we’ve added a blend of warm spices – cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger – which not only infuse the ham with depth but leave your home smelling like a cozy haven.
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Indulge in the quintessential delight of a pineapple upside-down cake, elevated by the sweetness of maraschino cherries. While seeking the ideal recipe can be an adventure, we’ve cracked the code to achieving a moist, light, and juicy masterpiece. The key lies in a rich butter cake that yields a stunning presentation when removed from the pan, featuring tantalizing pineapple rings surrounded by plump maraschino cherries.
With each delectable bite, a symphony of flavors unfolds – tender cake infused with the subtle tanginess of cherry and the sweetness of pineapple, harmoniously balanced in perfect harmony.
Banana Split Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich flavors and refreshing simplicity with these banana split cheesecake bars that require no baking whatsoever! The magic lies in the nutty graham cracker crust and tangy yet sweet cheesecake filling, which provide a satisfying treat on their own.
But be warned: once you discover the array of toppings – including strawberries, pineapples, bananas, chocolate chips, chocolate syrups, pecans, Cool Whip, and maraschino cherries – you won’t want to resist adding them for an unparalleled dessert experience!
White Chocolate Cherry Fudge
Indulge in this mouthwatering white chocolate cherry fudge recipe, loaded with juicy maraschino cherries and creamy white chocolate chunks. The secret to achieving its luscious texture lies in an unexpected ingredient: marshmallow cream!
To begin, you’ll need to prep the star of the show – those plump maraschino cherries. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces, then spread them out on a paper towel to dry for at least 30 minutes.
Next, combine the heavy cream, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan and bring it to a rolling boil, reaching a scorching temperature of 235°F. Don’t worry about getting an accurate reading – just be sure you have a trusty candy thermometer handy! Once the mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the marshmallow cream and white chocolate chips until they’re fully incorporated. The final touch? Adding those dried cherries to the mix.
Then, pour the fudge into a tray and refrigerate it until it sets – a process that may try your patience, but trust us, the payoff is well worth the wait!
Maraschino Cherry Cake
This delightful cake is a masterclass in texture, boasting a fluffy, moist, and soft crumb that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. While the cherry cream cheese frosting does add an indulgent touch, it’s worth noting that its richness may be better balanced by serving smaller slices.
Despite these indulgent touches, the entire process from start to finish – including preparation, baking, and decorating – takes a relatively modest 45 minutes to complete, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules or spontaneous celebrations.
Hawaiian Banana Nut Bread
Get ready to indulge in a tropical treat! This Hawaiian banana nut bread is a game-changer, boasting a mouthwatering combination of cherries, coconut, and pineapple. The result is a moist, flavorful, and utterly scrumptious loaf that’s perfect for gifting or satisfying your own cravings.
To make this recipe shine, you’ll need very ripe bananas – think those slightly past-peak bananas lingering on the counter. Don’t worry about their fate; they’re destined for greatness in this bread.
The crushed pineapples and maraschino cherries bring a lush, sweet texture to the table, setting this banana bread apart from your average loaf. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: a dusting of powdered sugar on top, transforming this treat into the perfect breakfast, brunch, or dessert option.
Ambrosia Salad
Indulge in the sweet simplicity of an ambrosia salad that’s sure to delight both young and old. This crowd-pleasing recipe requires just a handful of ingredients: canned fruits like mandarin orange slices, maraschino cherries, and pineapple, along with Cool Whip, sour cream, and a generous helping of mini marshmallows. With its trifecta of flavors – sweet, tangy, and fluffy – this easy-to-make salad is guaranteed to leave everyone wanting more.
Banana Split
A banana split is an all-American classic that deserves a spot on every dessert lover’s bucket list. The combination of fresh strawberries and bananas, three generous scoops of ice cream, fluffy whipped cream, sweet pineapple chunks, rich chocolate sauce, crunchy peanuts, and a maraschino cherry or two is a match made in heaven. This nostalgic recipe transports you back to the good ol’ days of 1950s soda shops, minus the need to leave your kitchen.
With just a few simple ingredients and some old-fashioned flair, you can recreate this retro treat in the comfort of your own home.
Classic Old Fashioned
Since its inception, the Old Fashioned has undergone a series of evolutions over the years. The original recipes, which date back to its creation, typically feature bourbon as the primary ingredient. This is in contrast to the mid-century modifications that introduced soda to the mix. Instead, modern iterations often stick to the classic combination of bourbon, orange slice, and cherry.
When crafted with these traditional ingredients, the Old Fashioned offers a smooth and approachable cocktail that allows the bourbon’s rich flavor profile to shine through, subtly accented by sweet notes throughout.
Maraschino Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies
When pressed for time but still craving something sweet, these Maraschino cherry cookies come to the rescue! Their speediness stems from not requiring dough chilling, allowing you to pop them directly into the oven. The end result is a delectable treat boasting a vibrant pink hue and boasting chewy, soft texture replete with rich chocolate chips and luscious maraschino cherries.
Each morsel delivers a harmonious balance of tartness and sweetness, making it impossible to resist devouring just one.
Maraschino Cherry Cupcakes
Celebrate National Cherry Month or Valentine’s Day with a sweet treat that’s sure to impress! These maraschino cherry cupcakes are a delightful way to indulge in the rich flavors of cherries, whether you’re looking to mark a special occasion or simply satisfy your sweet tooth. With their vibrant red color and decadent cherry flavor, these cupcakes are perfect for any time of year.
For an extra-special touch, consider adding a pop of bright red food coloring to your frosting and using matching cupcake liners to create a festive look that’s sure to delight. Try the recipe now!
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprint Cookies
While thumbprint cookies often evoke images of traditional flavors, these double chocolate treats will surprise you with their addictive taste and impressive presentation. The best part? They’re surprisingly quick to make – a batch of 30 cookies can be ready in just 30 minutes! Each cookie boasts rich double chocolate goodness, complemented by the sweetness of a maraschino cherry center.
A drizzle of extra chocolate adds the perfect finishing touch, making each one look as delectable and elegant as you’d find in a bakery case.
Cherry Bourbon Slush
Beat the heat on a sweltering summer day with a revitalizing twist on the classic slushie. This recipe combines the best of both worlds – the zesty zip of lemon-lime soda and the warm, golden glow of bourbon – for an adult-only drink that’s as easy to make as it is to savor.
Simply combine lemon-lime soda, bourbon, ice, and a splash of maraschino cherry juice in a blender, and in just five minutes, you’ll be rewarded with not one, but two frosty concoctions that will leave you pining for another sip.
Final Thoughts
While Maraschino cherries are often the star of the show in cocktails and desserts, they can also play a sweet supporting role in baked goods. The combination of their tart flavor and chewy texture adds depth and interest to a variety of treats. With this versatile ingredient at your disposal, the possibilities for creative concoctions know no bounds.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.