Cherry Buttercream Frosting

Cherry Buttercream Frosting is a creamy, old-fashioned frosting made with maraschino cherry syrup, finely minced cherries, and a touch of almond and lemon. It is especially well suited to Cherry Icebox Cake, bringing a soft pink color, real cherry flavor, and the kind of nostalgic finish that makes a simple sheet cake feel complete.

Cherry Buttercream Frosting

Servings: Makes about 3 cups frosting, enough to frost one 9 x 13-inch cake.

🖨️ Print Recipe

What'll You Need

1 cup (8 ounces / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted if lumpy
2 to 3 tablespoons maraschino cherry syrup
1/4 cup maraschino cherries, drained very well, blotted dry, and minced very finely
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Pinch of fine sea salt
1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream, as needed

Directions

Method

1. Beat the butter

In a large bowl, using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and fluffy.

2. Add the powdered sugar

Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed until incorporated, then beating until smooth after each addition.

3. Add the flavorings

Add the maraschino cherry syrup, vanilla extract, almond extract, lemon juice, and salt. Beat until light, creamy, and evenly combined.

4. Adjust the consistency

If needed, add heavy cream, 1 teaspoon at a time, to loosen the buttercream. If the frosting is too soft, add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

5. Fold in the cherries

Fold in the finely minced maraschino cherries until evenly distributed.

Ingredient Notes

Butter should be softened, not warm, so the frosting whips smoothly and holds its structure.

Drain the maraschino cherries very well, then blot them dry before mincing. Excess moisture can loosen the buttercream and affect its texture.

Use maraschino cherry syrup for both flavor and color, adding only as much as needed to keep the frosting smooth, creamy, and spreadable.

Fresh lemon juice brightens the frosting and balances the sweetness without making it taste lemony.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cherry Buttercream Frosting balances sweetness with real cherry flavor, a touch of almond extract, and just enough lemon juice to keep it lively. Minced maraschino cherries give it a nostalgic character, while the butter base keeps it creamy, rich, and easy to spread over a simple sheet cake.