This Classic Cherry Sheet Cake is an easy, semi-homemade dessert full of cherry flavor and topped with delicious almond frosting.

Slice fo cherry sheet cake on plate with more cake in background

We love making all kinds of recipes, and desserts are high on our list. This is especially true of cakes. We’ve made all kinds of cakes from complex, triple-layered affairs to simple dump cakes and everything in between. We love to make all kinds of cakes, but our favorite recipes by far are those that are easy.

Just because we love to cook doesn’t mean we love being in the kitchen for hours on end. This delicious cake is one of our favorites because it’s so easy and so delicious. It’s perfect for special occasions or simply a weeknight dessert.

Cherry Sheet Cake

This cake is absolutely delicious and so easy. This semi-homemade recipe uses box cake mix and a few other ingredients along with a simple, homemade almond frosting to create a tasty cake that anyone can make.

Every bite of this cake is filled with the delicious flavors of cherry and almond. It starts with a tender, moist cake made with white cake mix and maraschino cherry juice. Then, we top it with a simple frosting infused with almond. These flavors combine to create a decadent dessert that they’ll love to eat and you’ll love to make.

Slice of cherry sheet cake on plate with more cake in background

Cherry Sheet Cake Ingredients

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients for both the cake and the frosting. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.

For the Cherry Cake

White cake mix
Water
Canola oil
Egg whites
Maraschino cherry juice
Red food coloring

For the Frosting

Unsalted butter
Whole milk
Confectioners’ sugar
Almond extract
Kosher salt

**See the recipe card at the end of the post for quantities.

Cherry Sheet Cake Instructions

Making this recipe is as easy as the ingredient list. It only takes a few simple steps to make it!

Step 1: Prep

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 cake pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Mix the cake mix, water, canola oil, eggs, and maraschino cherry juice in a stand mixer.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set the cake aside and allow it to cool.

Cherry sheet cake on plate in front of baking dish with more sheet cake

Step 4: Make the Frosting

Combine the butter and milk in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Then, remove it from the heat and gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, almond extract, and salt.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Spread the frosting over the warm cake and top with sprinkles. Enjoy!

Hint: Frost the cake immediately so the frosting is easier to spread evenly.

Equipment

You won’t need much to make this recipe. It only takes a few items.

Measuring cups and spoons
Stand mixer
Spoon
Spatula
Baking dish
Saucepan

Baking dish with sliced cherry sheet cake

Cherry Sheet Cake Storage

Store this cake loosely covered for 3 to 4 days.

Tips

Although this recipe is super easy, there are still a couple of tips to help you make it the best that it can possibly be.

Nonstick Spray – Always use nonstick spray when making this cake, even if you’re using a glass dish. Glass doesn’t equal nonstick.

Frost While Warm – Contrary to most cake recipes, you actually should frost this cake while both it and the frosting are still a bit worm.

PIN IT!!

Cherry Sheet Cake FAQ

If you have questions about this cherry sheet cake, then read on. The following FAQ answers the most commonly asked questions about this recipe.

How long is cake good?
This cake will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Why do you frost this cake warm?
This frosting is a bit like a very thick glaze, so it’s actually far easier to top the cake with it when both the cake and the frosting are still warm.

What are maraschino cherries?
Maraschino cherries are cherries soaked in brine to remove their natural color and flavor. Then, they’re soaked in grenadine to provide that strong, sweet, and tart flavor we all know.

More Easy Cake Recipes

If you love making cakes that are delicious and easy, then we have some recipes that you’re going to enjoy.

Boston Cream Pie Poke Cake

Easy Orange Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

Slow Cooker Raspberry Zinger Cake

Try This Easy Cherry Sheet Cake

This easy, delicious cherry sheet cake is a semi-homemade treat that tastes amazing and will have you in and out of the kitchen in no time flat. Made with boxed cake mix and a simple frosting that comes together in a matter of minutes, this is a simple recipe pretty enough for any special occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dessert. Give it a try, and we know you’ll love it.