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Pink maraschino cherry buttercream swirl topped with a red cherry.
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Cherry Buttercream

This cherry buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and full of real maraschino cherry flavor. Made with cherry juice and a touch of almond extract, it spreads easily and pipes well on cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Makes about 3 cups of frosting.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert, Frostings and Fillings
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buttercream, cherry buttercream
Servings: 14 servings
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

  • 1 cup salted butter softened (227 grams)
  • 3½ to 4 cups powdered sugar 420 to 480 grams, sifted if lumpy
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice plus more as needed

Instructions

  • Beat the butter in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
    Whipping butter in a mixing bowl.
  • Add about half of the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined.
    Adding powdered sugar to the mixing bowl.
  • Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of cherry juice. Mix until smooth.
    Adding extracts and cherry juice to the buttercream.
  • Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar and beat on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
    Blending in more powdered sugar.
  • Add more cherry juice, a little at a time, if you want a softer texture or stronger cherry flavor.
    A mixing bowl filled with maraschino cherry frosting.

Notes

Yield: This recipe makes about 2½ to 3 cups of frosting. That is enough for 12 to 16 cupcakes with a generous swirl, 18 to 24 cupcakes with a lighter layer, or a two-layer 8-inch cake.
Adjust the consistency: Use less cherry juice for a thicker frosting (best for cakes and cookies). Add a little more, one teaspoon at a time, if you want it softer for piping.
Use softened butter: The butter should be soft enough to mix easily but not melted. If it is too cold, the frosting can turn out lumpy.
Cherry flavor tip: Maraschino cherry juice gives the frosting its signature flavor. If you want a stronger cherry taste, add a little extra juice, but do it gradually so the frosting does not get too loose.
Almond extract: Just a small amount helps bring out the cherry flavor without making the frosting taste like almond, but don't overdo it. 
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 151kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 8mg | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Calcium: 4mg | Iron: 0.02mg
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