A Celebration-Worthy Dessert Bursting with Flavor

If you’re looking to impress at your next gathering, celebrate a birthday, or simply indulge in a sweet treat that delivers bold cherry and chocolate flavor in every bite, then this Cherry Garcia Cake is exactly what you need. Inspired by the classic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, this three-layer cake is decadent, moist, and loaded with chopped maraschino cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s finished with a dreamy cherry buttercream, rich vanilla frosting, and delightful decorations that make this cake a true showstopper.

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Garcia Cake

This cake is perfect for:

Cherry and chocolate lovers who want a dessert that balances sweet, tart, and rich flavors.
Anyone looking for a high-impact dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Parties, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or just a cozy weekend at home with the family.

Unlike many cherry-chocolate cakes that can be overly sweet or artificial-tasting, this one uses real maraschino cherries folded into a soft French vanilla cake base. The balance between the sweet cherries and the slightly bitter bite of chocolate chips creates a luxurious flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and elevated.

Ingredients Overview

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this delicious cake to life:

Cake Ingredients

2 boxes French vanilla cake mix
2 cups whole milk
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
6 large eggs
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 cups chopped maraschino cherries
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cherry Frosting

2 cups unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
3 tsp cherry extract
3–6 drops red gel food coloring

Vanilla Frosting

3 cups unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
6 cups powdered sugar
3 tsp vanilla extract
3–6 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Decorations

1 cup mini chocolate chips
Chocolate shaving sprinkles
½ cup maraschino cherries with stems

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before diving into the baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

Three 8-inch round cake pans
Stand mixer (or hand mixer)
Mixing bowls
Angled spatula
Cake leveler or serrated knife
Piping bag with star tip
Rubber spatula
Cooling rack
Cake board or serving platter

How to Make Cherry Garcia Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your cake pans with a baking spray. In your stand mixer, combine the French vanilla cake mix, milk, softened butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.

Now fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and chocolate chips. Divide the batter evenly among your three cake pans and bake for 25–30 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness—when it comes out clean, the cakes are ready.

Let them cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Frosting

Beat the butter, powdered sugar, cherry extract, and red gel coloring in your mixer for 5–7 minutes until smooth with stiff peaks. Set this frosting aside in a separate bowl.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Frosting

Clean out the mixing bowl. Now beat together the sweet cream butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Scoop 1½ cups into a piping bag for decorative dollops later.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Level each cake round by cutting off any domes with a leveler or serrated knife. Place one round onto your cake board. Spread 1½ cups of cherry frosting evenly on top. Add the second cake round, repeat the cherry frosting layer, then top with the final round.

Frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla frosting. Smooth with an angled spatula for a clean finish.

Step 5: Decorate

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips around the bottom edge of the cake. Pipe vanilla frosting dollops around the top, then garnish each dollop with a cherry. Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings over the top.

Tips & Tricks

Shortcut Tips

Use parchment rounds in the cake pans for easy removal.
If you’re short on time, make the cake layers a day in advance and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap until you’re ready to frost.
You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to a month.

Flavor Swaps & Variations

Swap French vanilla cake mix for chocolate or cherry chip cake mix for an even richer dessert.
Add a dash of almond extract for a slightly nutty twist.
Use dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Skip the red gel food coloring if you prefer a more natural look.

Storage Instructions

This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

You can also freeze the frosted cake slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Food & Drink Pairings

To complement the flavors of cherry and chocolate, serve this cake with:

Black coffee or espresso for a bold contrast
Sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing palate cleanser
Cherry cola or a cherry vanilla cream soda for a fun, sweet pairing
A scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for an extra decadent dessert plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino?

You can, but keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture and less sweetness. You’ll need to pit and chop them finely, and possibly reduce other liquid slightly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free vanilla cake mix and ensure all other ingredients (like chocolate chips and extracts) are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have cherry extract?

You can substitute it with more vanilla extract, but the cherry flavor won’t be as pronounced. A dash of almond extract also works in a pinch.

Can I turn this into cupcakes?

Yes! This recipe will make approximately 36 standard cupcakes. Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Garcia Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a celebration of sweet cherry joy and decadent chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or just treating yourself, this cake brings smiles, nostalgia, and a whole lot of flavor.

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