I can still picture the delight on my friends' faces the first time I brought my homemade Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting to a gathering. It was one of those warm, sun-kissed afternoons where laughter filled the air and people flocked to the dessert table like moths to a flame. I had just topped off a chocolate cake with this light, cherry-infused frosting, and as the first slice was served, I could almost hear the collective "wow" from everyone who took a bite!
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This frosting is more than just a pretty topping; it’s a sweet explosion of summer flavor that elevates everything it touches—be it cupcakes, brownies, or even a simple sheet cake. What sets this recipe apart is its ease and versatility. Crafting this delicious, airy frosting requires little skill, but trust me, the result is anything but ordinary. With the perfect blend of maraschino cherry juice and fluffy butter, this frosting is bound to become a family favorite. So, let’s dive in and bring a little cherry magic into your kitchen!
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Why is Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting so popular?
Irresistible Flavor is the magic of Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting! Bursting with sweetness and a hint of cherry, it brightens up even the most basic dessert. This frosting is not just a treat for the taste buds; it adores the spotlight, making any occasion special—birthdays, holidays, or just a cozy weekend at home. Easy to whip up in about 20 minutes, it’s a perfect time-saver for busy bakers. Plus, its delightful color makes it visually striking, whether it's slathered on a cake or piped onto cupcakes. If you're curious for more frosting options, check out this Creamy Raspberry Frosting to take your desserts to the next level!
Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting Ingredients
• For a Cherry-Infused Delight
- Butter – Use slightly softened sweet cream salted butter for the perfect creamy base.
- Maraschino Cherry Juice – Adds rich cherry flavor and vibrant color to the frosting.
- Powdered Sugar – Essential for sweetness and thickening; you'll need 4 cups to achieve the ideal consistency.
- Cornstarch – Just 1 tablespoon will thicken the frosting and counter the moisture from the cherry juice.
- Maraschino Cherries (diced) – Finely dice 6-8 cherries for delightful texture and a pop of color, making your Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting truly stand out.
Enjoy crafting this luscious cherry frosting that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Irresistibly Easy Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- Prepare the Butter and Juice Begin by taking your slightly softened sweet cream salted butter and placing it into a mixing bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice. Mix these on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fully combined. Note: Slightly softened butter is crucial for a smooth texture and easy mixing, so ensure it’s at room temperature but not too warm.
- Add Powdered Sugar Gradually incorporate 4 cups of powdered sugar into the bowl while covering the mixer with a towel. This helps prevent a sugary cloud from exploding. Mix on low speed until the sugar is just combined, about 30 seconds. Note: Mixing on low prevents the sugar from flying everywhere, allowing for a cleaner workspace.
- Whip for Fluffiness Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue to beat for 30-45 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when the frosting becomes light and fluffy, building some air into the mixture. This step ensures your frosting holds its shape and gives it that luscious texture everyone loves.
- Thicken the Frosting Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture and mix until it’s fully combined. The cornstarch helps thicken the frosting, balancing the moisture from the cherry juice. Note: If your frosting ends up too thin, this ingredient is key to achieving that perfect spreadable consistency.
- Taste and Adjust Before folding in the cherries, taste the frosting to see if it’s to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet flavor, add a pinch of salt—about 10-15 granules will do the trick. Mixing this in helps to balance the sweetness and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
- Prepare the Cherries Finely dice 6-8 maraschino cherries, ensuring they are dried off to prevent excess moisture from entering the frosting. This adds delightful bursts of cherry flavor and texture. Gently fold these diced cherries into the frosting with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without over-mixing.
- Final Mix and Serve Give the frosting a final gentle stir to incorporate everything smoothly, then it’s time to decorate! Use this fluffy Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting to beautifully top cakes, cupcakes, or brownies. Note: For the best results, you can chill the frosting slightly if it feels too soft, making it easier to pipe and spread. Enjoy your frosty creation!
Substitutions
Can't find a few of these ingredients? No problem! They can easily be replaced with the suggestions below:
- Butter: Replace it with plant-based butter or margarine for a dairy-free option. (Ensure it’s slightly softened for best results.)
- Maraschino Cherry Juice: Replace it with cherry juice or raspberry juice. (You may need to adjust sweetness since cherry juice is sweeter.)
- Powdered Sugar: Replace it with granulated sugar blended until fine** (use 3 cups) or coconut powdered sugar for a healthier alternative.
- Cornstarch: Replace it with arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour (use 1 tablespoon for thickening). (Arrowroot will provide a similar consistency without altering the taste.)
- Maraschino Cherries: Replace them with fresh cherries or diced strawberries for a different fruity twist. (If fresh cherries are used, ensure they’re pitted and cut into fine pieces.)
Turn It Into A Party!
Imagine the delight of your guests as they dive into luscious treats topped with Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting! This frosting is an absolute showstopper, captivating everyone with its vibrant color and sweet cherry flavor. Perfect for any gathering! Serve it over cupcakes, cakes, or brownies with some crunchy chips or crackers on the side for a delightful contrast! 😉 A few tips if serving for a crowd:
- Make it Ahead! Prepare the frosting a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge (it'll save you time on the day of the party!). Just give it a quick whip before serving to fluff it up again!
- Serve Cool! For gatherings, let your frosted goodies sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving (this allows the frosting to soften and makes it extra spreadable!).
- Mix and Match! Combine your Maraschino Cherry Buttercream with other flavors by experimenting with chocolate or vanilla cake bases (this will keep your dessert table exciting and full of variety!).
How to Store and Freeze Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
Fridge: Store any leftover Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always seal it well to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. Portion it into smaller containers for easy thawing later.
Reheating: When ready to use, thaw the frosting overnight in the refrigerator. If it seems too soft after thawing, whip it again briefly with a mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
Frosted Goods: Any cakes or cupcakes frosted with this delicious buttercream should also be stored in the fridge, covered lightly to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
Tips for making the most flavorful Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
- Butter Consistency: Ensure your butter is slightly softened by leaving it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This temperature is perfect because too cold butter can lead to a lumpy frosting, while over-softening can cause it to become greasy.
- Powdered Sugar Technique: When adding the powdered sugar, make sure to cover the mixer with a towel to prevent a cloud of sugar from puffing up. This simple trick keeps your kitchen tidy and ensures you can mix without worrying about messy spills.
- Frosting Thickness: If your frosting ends up too thin, don’t fret! You can easily fix this by adding an additional ½ cup of powdered sugar or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This adjustment will help thicken the frosting, making it perfect for piping onto cupcakes or spreading on a cake.
- Taste Balance: After mixing your frosting, don’t forget to taste and adjust. If it’s too sweet for your palate, consider adding a pinch of salt. Just 10-15 granules can help cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor profile, creating a more balanced frosting.
- Chill for Best Results: If your frosting feels too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. Chilling helps it firm up, making it easier to pipe intricate designs or spread smoothly over your cake or cupcakes, ensuring a professional-grade finish.
- Cherry Preparation: When dicing the maraschino cherries, make sure they are well dried after chopping them. Excess moisture can cause your frosting to become runny, so I like to pat them down with a paper towel before adding them in to maintain that fluffy, thick texture that you want in your buttercream.
What to Serve with Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting?
Every sweet creation deserves the perfect accompaniments to create a memorable feast that delights all the senses.
- Chocolate Cake: The rich, velvety texture of chocolate cake pairs beautifully with the light and fruity frosting, creating a heaven-sent contrast in flavors.
- Cupcakes: Top moist vanilla or chocolate cupcakes with this cherry-infused delight, turning ordinary treats into exceptional eye-catching desserts that are sure to impress.
- Brownies: The fudgy richness of brownies complements the fluffiness of the Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting, making for an indulgent, treat that’s hard to resist.
- Sugar Cookies: Sugar cookies serve as a delightful canvas for the sweet frosting, allowing the cherry flavor to shine through atop a tender bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream drizzled with this vibrant buttercream creates a dreamy dessert experience and an added layer of cherry goodness.
- Fruit Salad: Serve a small dollop alongside a fresh fruit salad; the sweet cherry flavor complements the fresh, tart fruits, creating a refreshing balance.
- Lemon Bars: The zesty brightness of lemon bars contrasts perfectly with the sweet Maraschino Cherry Buttercream, delivering a delightful burst of flavor on the palate.
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing drink pairing, serve sparkling water infused with a hint of cherry—its effervescence perfectly complements the sweetness of your dessert.
Indulge in these pairings that elevate your dessert table and make every bite a celebration of flavors!
Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use for Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting?
The best choice is slightly softened sweet cream salted butter. It should be at room temperature, not too warm but definitely not cold from the fridge. This allows for easy mixing and a creamy texture!
How long can I store the Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting in the fridge?
You can store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid it picking up any other scents or flavors from your fridge.
Can I freeze Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting?
Absolutely! If you want to save it for later, freeze the frosting in a freezer-safe container for up to 3-4 months. Just make sure to portion it out for easier thawing later on.
What if my frosting is too thin?
If your frosting ends up too thin, don't worry! You can thicken it by adding an additional ½ cup of powdered sugar or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix it well until fully combined, and you should achieve your desired consistency!
Are there any dietary considerations for Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting?
Yes, if you're accommodating dietary restrictions, be sure to check your maraschino cherries for any allergens. Some brands may contain artificial colorings or preservatives. For those avoiding gluten, this frosting is typically safe, but always verify your powdered sugar brand.
What should I do if my frosting doesn’t hold its shape?
If your frosting is too soft and doesn’t hold its shape well, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This cooling period helps firm it up, making it easier to pipe or spread!
Irresistibly Easy Maraschino Cherry Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons Maraschino Cherry Juice
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 6-8 Maraschino Cherries diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Juice: Begin by taking your slightly softened sweet cream salted butter and placing it into a mixing bowl. Pour in 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice. Mix these on medium speed for about 2 minutes until fully combined.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually incorporate 4 cups of powdered sugar into the bowl while covering the mixer with a towel. Mix on low speed until the sugar is just combined, about 30 seconds.
- Whip for Fluffiness: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and continue to beat for 30-45 seconds until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Thicken the Frosting: Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture and mix until fully combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Before folding in the cherries, taste the frosting to see if it’s to your liking. If desired, add a pinch of salt.
- Prepare the Cherries: Finely dice 6-8 maraschino cherries, ensuring they are dried off, then gently fold them into the frosting.
- Final Mix and Serve: Give the frosting a final gentle stir, then use to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or brownies.
Notes
- Ensure your butter is slightly softened for a smooth texture.
- Cover the mixer while adding powdered sugar to prevent mess.
- If too thin, add an additional ½ cup of powdered sugar or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch.
- Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a pinch of salt if necessary.
- Chill the frosting for best results if it feels too soft.
- Be sure to dry diced cherries thoroughly before adding.
