15 Creative Maraschino Cherry Recipe Ideas

Maraschino cherries bring bright color and sweet flavor to countless recipes. These vibrant red gems transform ordinary desserts and drinks into something special.

From classic cocktails to decadent desserts, these fifteen recipes showcase the versatility of maraschino cherries in creative ways.

01. Cherry Almond Sugar Cookies

Soft almond-flavored sugar cookies studded with chopped maraschino cherries. These tender treats deliver beautiful pink bursts throughout every bite.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup butter (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon almond extract, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup maraschino cherries (drained and chopped), 2 tablespoons cherry juice.

How To Make Cherry Almond Sugar Cookies

1. Cream softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Beat in egg, almond extract, vanilla, and cherry juice until well combined and smooth.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid tough cookies.

3. Gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Pat cherries dry before chopping to prevent excess moisture.

4. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers still look soft.

02. Boozy Cherry Slushies

Frozen cocktails that blend maraschino cherries directly into the mix. This bright pink slushie combines vodka and brandy for the ultimate party drink.

Ingredients: 1 cup maraschino cherries with juice, ½ cup vodka, ¼ cup brandy, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 cups ice cubes, 2 tablespoons simple syrup, whipped cream for garnish.

How To Make Boozy Cherry Slushies

1. Add maraschino cherries with their juice, vodka, brandy, and lime juice to a blender. Blend on high speed for 30 seconds until cherries are completely pureed and mixture is smooth.

2. Add ice cubes and simple syrup to the blender. Pulse first to break up ice, then blend on high until mixture reaches a thick, slushie consistency without large ice chunks.

3. Taste and adjust sweetness with additional simple syrup if needed. Pour into chilled glasses and top with whipped cream and extra maraschino cherries for garnish.

03. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Cups

Baked tortilla shells filled with creamy pudding and topped with cherries. These lighter treats capture the essence of fried ice cream desserts.

Ingredients: 6 small flour tortillas, 3 tablespoons butter (melted), ¼ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 cups vanilla pudding, 1 cup whipped topping, 12 maraschino cherries.

How To Make Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Cups

1. Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush both sides of tortillas with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to help it stick.

2. Press each tortilla into a muffin cup, creating bowl shapes. The edges will naturally ruffle and create pretty presentations when baked properly.

3. Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Cool completely in muffin tin before removing to maintain their cup shape.

4. Fold whipped topping into vanilla pudding until smooth. Fill each tortilla cup with pudding mixture and top with a maraschino cherry just before serving.

04. Homemade Cherry Limeade

Fizzy, sweet-tart cherry limeade with nostalgic drive-in vibes. The maraschino cherry syrup balances the citrus perfectly while adding vibrant color.

Ingredients: ½ cup fresh lime juice, ¼ cup maraschino cherry syrup, 2 tablespoons sugar, 4 cups club soda, 1 cup ice cubes, 8 maraschino cherries, lime slices for garnish.

How To Make Homemade Cherry Limeade

1. Stir together lime juice, cherry syrup, and sugar in a large pitcher until sugar completely dissolves. Let mixture sit for 2-3 minutes to ensure sweetness is evenly distributed.

2. Add club soda slowly to preserve carbonation, stirring gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness with more cherry syrup or lime juice as desired.

3. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour limeade over ice. Garnish each glass with 2 maraschino cherries and a lime slice for the perfect retro presentation.

05. Layered Berry Trifle

Elegant multi-layered dessert crowned with bright maraschino cherries. Fresh berries, cake, and whipped cream create stunning visual layers in glass bowls.

Ingredients: 1 store-bought pound cake, 2 cups heavy cream, ¼ cup powdered sugar, 2 cups mixed fresh berries, 2 bananas (sliced), 12 maraschino cherries, 2 tablespoons cherry juice.

How To Make Layered Berry Trifle

1. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, being careful not to overwhip. Fold in cherry juice gently for subtle flavor and pink tint.

2. Cut pound cake into 1-inch cubes. Layer cake cubes in the bottom of a large glass trifle bowl or individual glasses for beautiful presentation.

3. Add layers of sliced bananas and mixed berries over cake, then spread whipped cream mixture evenly on top using a spatula or spoon.

4. Repeat layering process until bowl is full, ending with whipped cream layer. Top with maraschino cherries arranged decoratively across the surface before serving.

06. Classic Shirley Temple

The ultimate kid-friendly mocktail with lemon-lime soda and grenadine. Maraschino cherries make this nostalgic drink extra special for any age.

Ingredients: 1 cup lemon-lime soda, 1 tablespoon grenadine syrup, 2 maraschino cherries, ice cubes, orange slice for garnish.

How To Make Classic Shirley Temple

1. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, leaving room at the top for garnishes. The ice keeps the drink properly chilled and creates the perfect dilution.

2. Pour lemon-lime soda slowly over ice to preserve carbonation. Add grenadine syrup, which will naturally sink to create beautiful color gradation from pink to clear.

3. Garnish with maraschino cherries and an orange slice on the rim. Serve with a straw and let kids stir to mix the colors together.

07. Banana Split Sheet Cake

Moist snack cake inspired by the classic sundae with all the favorite toppings. Pineapple, bananas, and maraschino cherries create authentic banana split flavors.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1½ cups sugar, ½ cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 cup mashed bananas, ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained), ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped walnuts, vanilla frosting.

How To Make Banana Split Sheet Cake

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in mashed bananas until well combined and smooth throughout.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture alternately with drained pineapple, mixing just until combined.

3. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries and walnuts gently to distribute evenly without overmixing the batter, which could make the cake tough.

4. Pour into greased 9×13 pan and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

5. Spread vanilla frosting evenly over cooled cake and top with additional chopped cherries and walnuts for extra banana split appeal and visual interest.

08. Double Cherry Chocolate Cookies

Rich chocolate cookies with maraschino cherries both inside and on top. A chocolate drizzle made with cherry juice creates irresistible double cherry flavor.

Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cocoa powder, 1 cup butter (softened), 1 cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, 24 whole cherries, 1 cup chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons cherry juice.

How To Make Double Cherry Chocolate Cookies

1. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth, then mix in flour and cocoa powder until just combined.

2. Fold in chopped maraschino cherries, making sure they’re well distributed throughout the dough for cherry flavor in every bite of these rich cookies.

3. Drop rounded tablespoons onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Press one whole cherry into the center of each cookie, pushing down slightly so it stays put.

4. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look slightly soft. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring.

5. Melt chocolate chips with cherry juice in microwave, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies for an extra layer of chocolate-cherry goodness that sets beautifully.

09. Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream with cherry juice in the base and chopped cherries throughout. Bittersweet chocolate chunks complement the sweet cherry flavor perfectly.

Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup whole milk, ¾ cup sugar, 6 egg yolks, ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries, ½ cup chopped bittersweet chocolate.

How To Make Cherry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

1. Heat cream and milk in a saucepan until just beginning to simmer. Whisk egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes of vigorous whisking.

2. Slowly pour hot cream mixture into egg yolks while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling. Return mixture to saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until it coats the back of a spoon.

3. Strain custard through fine-mesh sieve and stir in cherry juice and vanilla. Chill completely in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

4. Churn in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. During last 2 minutes of churning, add chopped cherries and chocolate chunks for perfect distribution throughout.

10. Traditional Old Fashioned

The timeless whiskey cocktail garnished with maraschino cherry and orange. This classic drink recipe never goes out of style at any bar.

Ingredients: 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 sugar cube, 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters, 1 maraschino cherry, 1 orange slice, ice cubes, splash of club soda (optional).

How To Make Traditional Old Fashioned

1. Place sugar cube in bottom of old fashioned glass and saturate with bitters. Muddle sugar and bitters together until sugar dissolves into a paste-like consistency.

2. Add a splash of club soda if desired, then fill glass with ice cubes. Pour bourbon over ice and stir gently to combine all flavors without diluting too much.

3. Garnish with maraschino cherry and orange slice. Some prefer to muddle the fruit slightly for extra flavor, while others leave them whole for pure garnish appeal.

11. Cherry Coconut Walnut Bars

Buttery shortbread bars topped with maraschino cherries, coconut, and walnuts. A cherry juice frosting adds the perfect finishing touch to these colorful treats.

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar, 1 cup butter (cold), 1 cup flaked coconut, 1 cup chopped walnuts, ½ cup maraschino cherries (chopped), 2 eggs (beaten), 1 cup brown sugar, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons cherry juice, 2 tablespoons butter (softened).

How To Make Cherry Coconut Walnut Bars

1. Mix flour and ½ cup powdered sugar, then cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into bottom of greased 9×13 pan to create even crust.

2. Bake crust at 350°F for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Meanwhile, combine beaten eggs, brown sugar, coconut, walnuts, and chopped cherries in large bowl.

3. Spread cherry mixture evenly over hot crust and return to oven for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and set when lightly touched in center.

4. Cool completely before frosting. Beat together 2 cups powdered sugar, softened butter, and cherry juice until smooth and spreadable, adding more juice if needed for consistency.

5. Spread frosting over cooled bars and cut into squares. The cherry juice creates beautiful pink color while adding extra cherry flavor that complements the fruit in the bars.

12. Glazed Pineapple Ham

Classic holiday ham studded with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries. This retro presentation creates an impressive centerpiece that never goes out of style.

Ingredients: 1 spiral-cut ham (8-10 lbs), 1 can pineapple rings (reserve juice), 2 cups maraschino cherries, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, whole cloves.

How To Make Glazed Pineapple Ham

1. Score ham surface in diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves at intersections. This creates beautiful presentation while allowing flavors to penetrate the meat during cooking.

2. Secure pineapple rings to ham surface with toothpicks, placing a maraschino cherry in the center of each ring. Use additional toothpicks as needed for stability.

3. Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons reserved pineapple juice to create glaze. Brush half of glaze over entire ham surface before baking.

4. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes per pound, basting with remaining glaze every 30 minutes. Ham is done when internal temperature reaches 140°F in thickest part.

13. Pink Cherry Pound Cake

Dense, buttery pound cake with chopped maraschino cherries throughout. Cream cheese frosting tinted pink with cherry juice creates a stunning finishing touch.

Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup butter (softened), 1½ cups granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ¼ cup cherry juice, 2 cups powdered sugar.

How To Make Pink Cherry Pound Cake

1. Cream butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.

2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt in separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture alternately with sour cream, beginning and ending with flour mixture.

3. Stir in vanilla and gently fold in chopped maraschino cherries, being careful not to overmix which could result in a tough, dense cake texture.

4. Pour batter into greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 325°F for 65-75 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

5. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack. For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and cherry juice until desired consistency is reached.

14. Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

Individual upside-down cupcakes with pineapple rings and centered cherries. These personal-sized desserts are perfect for parties and special occasions with beautiful presentation.

Ingredients: 12 pineapple rings, 12 maraschino cherries, ¼ cup butter (melted), ½ cup brown sugar, 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ⅓ cup butter (softened), 2 eggs, ¾ cup milk, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Mini Pineapple Upside Down Cakes

1. Brush muffin cups with melted butter and sprinkle 2 teaspoons brown sugar in bottom of each cup. Place one pineapple ring in each cup with maraschino cherry in center.

2. Beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure smooth, light batter texture.

3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to butter mixture alternately with milk, mixing just until combined to avoid tough cupcakes.

4. Divide batter evenly among prepared muffin cups, filling about ⅔ full. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then run knife around edges and invert immediately onto serving plate. Let pan rest 1 minute before lifting off to ensure fruit stays attached.

15. Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries

Elegant confections with whole maraschino cherries wrapped in creamy centers. These homemade chocolates rival any store-bought version with superior flavor and texture.

Ingredients: 60 maraschino cherries (drained), ½ cup butter (softened), 4 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup cherry juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons coconut oil.

How To Make Homemade Chocolate Covered Cherries

1. Pat maraschino cherries completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which can cause chocolate coating to seize or not adhere properly to the centers.

2. Beat butter until light and fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, cherry juice, and vanilla. Mix until smooth fondant forms that holds together when squeezed but isn’t sticky.

3. Wrap each cherry in about 1 tablespoon of fondant mixture, rolling between palms to create smooth balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate 30 minutes until firm.

4. Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until completely smooth and glossy for perfect dipping consistency.

5. Dip each fondant-wrapped cherry in melted chocolate using fork, allowing excess to drip off. Return to parchment-lined sheet and refrigerate until chocolate sets completely, about 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

These maraschino cherry recipes prove how versatile this pantry staple can be. From elegant desserts to refreshing drinks, there’s something here for every occasion.

Keep a jar in your kitchen and you’ll always be ready to add bright color and sweet flavor to your favorite recipes.