• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Allergies
  • Substitutions
  • Guides
  • About
  • Shop

Living Beyond Allergies logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Allergies
  • Substitutions
  • Guides
  • About
  • Shop
  • Follow Along!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Allergies
    • Substitutions
    • Guides
    • About
    • Shop
  • Follow Along!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
  • ×

    HOME » Cakes & Cupcakes

    Dated: February 11, 2022 Last Modified: February 16, 2022 by Laura This post may contain affiliate links.

    Vegan Maraschino Cherry Frosting

    I love when you share my recipes!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Sweet and dreamy maraschino cherry vegan frosting is perfect for all your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more! This 10 minute recipe is so easy to make and such a delightfully different way to celebrate your special occasions. 

    I love this frosting not only for the subtle cherry flavor but also how easy it is to make. It uses simple ingredients bought at the store - nothing weird here! This frosting goes on top of cupcakes and cakes beautifully. It’s creamy, smooth, and delicious!

    Free from: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, sesame, peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, corn, celery, and more

    row of three chocolate cupcakes with pink cherry frosting on top with cherries

    This frosting would be dreamy on top of any cake but some of my favorites would be my vegan and gluten free chocolate cake, gluten free vanilla cake, or vegan chocolate cake. You could also use this to top your gluten free sugar cookies. The options are never ending! 

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Best Vegan Butter
    • Instructions
    • Troubleshooting
    • How to Store
    • Variations
    • Allergy Substitutions 
    • More Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    For a recipe as simple as this, it’s important that you source really good ingredients. They shine through here! 

    • Vegan Butter 
    • Maraschino Cherries - The star of the show! I love to use this brand, Tillen Farms because they are a vegan company that uses only natural dyes to get their cherries that beautiful color! Plus, they are gluten free and top 9 allergy friendly. 
    • Powdered Sugar - My favorite brand is Pioneer Sugar that uses beets and not sugarcane, making it a solid vegan choice. But any vegan powdered sugar works perfectly here. 
    • Vanilla extract - Optional ingredient to get a sweet cherry vanilla flavor. 
    • Pinch of salt
    ingredients for cherry frosting on a pink background in various glass bowls

    Best Vegan Butter

    You can’t have buttercream frosting without a good vegan butter. Thankfully, there are several on the market right now that are in stores all over. 

    I prefer to use stick vegan butter. It has a better fat:water ratio that makes for a better frosting. Some of my favorites are:

    • I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter - This is the one I reach for in my store. It is free from nuts, tree nuts, and coconut making it a really allergy friendly option. 
    • Country Crock - The plant based sticks are a great option as well. They use a blend of different oils so you can choose one that works well for you. 
    • Earth Balance Sticks - These work really well. You can also use the earth balance in a tub, especially if you have a soy allergy that you are working with. Just replace 2 tablespoons of butter with 2 tablespoons of vegan shortening when making this frosting with Earth Balance to get the right percentage of fat. 

    Instructions

    The full instructions with all the measurements are written down in the recipe box below! Be sure to check that out. Here is where we can get into some details about this frosting recipe. 

    For this easy recipe, it is so important that you have a stand mixer or an electric hand mixer. It really isn’t possible to make frosting like this by hand. Make sure you start out with the whisk attachment. That is what blends some air into the ingredients to make it fluffy frosting! 

    Begin with room temperature vegan butter. You want it to be soft enough that you can press your finger into the butter with ease. 

    If you forgot to get the butter out in time, don’t worry! You can pop it in the microwave for 7 seconds, flip it over, and let it microwave for about 5 seconds more. This makes for the perfect room temperature butter in under 15 seconds! 

    In your stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or a large bowl with a hand mixer, whisk the vegan butter on high for 5 minutes. You want it to whisk that long to really get the butter nice and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you need to to make sure all the butter is mixed.

    Add the sugar and cherry juice (and vanilla if using) with the salt. Start whisking on low, gradually increasing speed until you are again whisking on high for another 3-5 minutes. 

    Depending on the viscosity, you may need to add a few more spoonfuls of sugar or cherry juice. 

    If you want to take the extra step and make your frosting super smooth, switch out the whisk attachment for the paddle attachment. Beat the frosting on medium speed for 3 minutes to get a smooth and creamy texture.

    Transfer to a piping bag and decorate your cake or cupcakes or cookies! 

    This frosting makes enough to frost a dozen cupcakes, or a small layer cake. If you have larger favorite cakes, feel free to double (or triple!) this recipe!

    close up of chocolate cupcake with pink cherry frosting on top surrounded by more cupcakes and cherries

    Troubleshooting

    My frosting fell apart!

    Just keep mixing and adding in a little more plant based milk or powdered sugar as needed. It should come together again! 

    What’s the best vegan sugar to use? 

    Not all sugars are vegan, but thankfully there are some really good ones that are! Wholesome Sweeteners, Trader Joe’s Sugar, 365 Sugar, and Pioneer Sugar (if you’re in the Midwest of the USA) are all vegan. 

    My frosting is lumpy. 

    For a really creamy and smooth frosting, after whipping with the whisk attachment on your stand mixer or hand mixer, switch to the paddle attachment. The paddle attachment is made for making things nice and smooth. A few minutes of blending with the paddle attachment and you will have the smoothest frosting ever! 

    Can I use vegetable shortening? Can I use coconut milk?

    Yes, you can use vegetable shortening in this recipe. Use up to 50% of vegetable shortening in place of vegan butter to make a vegan frosting that is more stable at room temperature, not to mention easier to work with.

    No, you can not use coconut milk to replace the butter. Coconut oil and coconut milk are too different from vegan butter and vegan shortening.

    Can I add food coloring?

    Sure, if you wish! I love the soft pink that the cherry juice naturally gives, but if you need a more intense color, you can certainly add more. I like this brand for natural dyes in frosting and this brand for a more traditional coloring.

    How to Store

    Any leftover frosting will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it warm up a bit on the countertop for about 15 minutes before frosting. Additionally, you could add it to the stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer and add an additional tablespoon of cherry juice. This will remix the frosting and make it easier to work with. 

    Variations

    Chocolate Cherry Frosting - Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the frosting when adding the sugar. This whips up into a luscious chocolate frosting flavored with cherry!

    Allergy Substitutions 

    If you are allergic to corn, it is super important that you get a corn free powdered sugar. Almost all powdered sugars out there use cornstarch as a way of keeping the sugar from clumping. My favorite corn free powdered sugar is by Wholesome Sweeteners. 

    More Vegan Buttercream Frosting Recipes

    • three vanilla cupcakes with rosewater buttercream frosting in a row
      Rosewater Buttercream Frosting
    • a close up of double chocolate buttercream frosting on top of a chocolate cake slice that is on a white plate
      Double Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
    • extreme close up of a vanilla cupcake topped with a swirl of vegan vanilla buttercream frosting
      Vegan Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
    • gluten free vegan hot chocoalte cupcakes on a white serving tray on a white countertop
      Easy Vegan Marshmallow Frosting

    If you try these out, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. And if you want more delicious, dietary friendly recipes you can subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

    Recipe

    three chocolate cupcakes in a row with cherry frosting and a cherry on top of each cupcake

    Vegan Maraschino Cherry Frosting

    Sweet and dreamy maraschino cherry vegan frosting is perfect for all your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more! Made in 10 minutes with simple ingredients you’ll love it!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Baked Goods
    Diet: Vegan
    Keyword: allergy friendly, celery free, coconut free, corn free, dairy free, egg free, gluten free, nightshade free, nut free, sesame free, soy free, tomato free, vegan, wheat free
    Yield: 12 cupcakes for frosting
    Calories: 251kcal
    Author: Laura // Living Beyond Allergies

    Equipment

    • stand mixer or hand mixer
    • Large bowl
    • measuring cups
    • measuring spoons
    • Piping bag with tips (optional)

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup vegan butter
    • 4 tablespoons cherry juice
    • 3 cups sugar
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
    • Sprinkle salt

    Instructions

    • In the stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, whisk the butter on high speed for 5 minutes or until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
    • Add the cherry juice, sugar, salt, and optional vanilla extract. Start on low speed, whisking until the ingredients are incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as you need to. Once everything is mixed together, whisk on medium-high speed for another 3 minutes to make sure the frosting is light and fluffy.
    • Optionally, replace the whisk attachment with the paddle attachment and beat on medium for 3 minutes to get a smooth frosting.
    • Transfer to a piping bag for frosting or place frosting directly on the cakes and cookies you have previously baked. Enjoy!

    Notes

    How to Store
    Any leftover frosting will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it warm up a bit on the countertop for about 15 minutes before frosting. Additionally, you could add it to the stand mixer or a large bowl with a hand mixer and add an additional tablespoon of cherry juice. This will remix the frosting and make it easier to work with. 
    Variations
    Chocolate Cherry Frosting - Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder to the frosting when adding the sugar. This whips up into a luscious chocolate frosting flavored with cherry!
    Allergy Substitutions 
    If you are allergic to corn, it is super important that you get a corn free powdered sugar. Almost all powdered sugars out there use cornstarch as a way of keeping the sugar from clumping. My favorite corn free powdered sugar is by Wholesome Ingredients.
     
    LivingBeyondAllergies.com

    Nutrition

    Calories: 251kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 0.03g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 62mg | Potassium: 12mg | Sugar: 50g | Vitamin A: 360IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 0.1mg

    The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

    Love this recipe?Mention @livingbeyondallergies or tag #livingbeyondallergies!

    More Cakes & Cupcakes

    • A single vegan carrot cake cupcake with frosting on a white platform surrounded baby carrots and more cupcakes blurred in the background. The image is light and bright and colorful.
      The Best Vegan Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Frosting
    • Close up of a gluten free vegan mint chocolate cupcake covered in green mint frosting with white and gold sprinkles.
      Mint Chocolate Cupcakes (gluten free + vegan)
    • A chocolate raspberry cake covered in pink frosting on a wood cake stand with a slice of cake being lifted out of the cake.
      Chocolate Raspberry Cake (gluten free + vegan)
    • iced gingerbread cake on a black serving tray. a slice is blurred in the front of the loaf. lights and Christmas themed decor is blurred around the cake. spices and crumbs are also seen.
      Spiced Vegan Gingerbread Loaf Cake

    I love when you share my recipes!

    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Connect with me!

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr

    Never miss a recipe! Delivered weekly right to your inbox.

    Thanks!

    Laura, a white woman with red hair, is standing in front of a gray mural with floral details. She is wearing a black top, long Burgundy skirt, and black leather jacket.

    Hi, I’m Laura! Welcome to Living Beyond Allergies, a mix of healthy + indulgent allergy free recipes, plus a sprinkle of health resources. All eaters welcome! To learn more about me, click here!

    Spring Baking

    • a gluten free angel food cake rests on a glass cake stand and is topped with whip cream and berries. a serving spoon is lifting a slice of cake away from the cake.
      Gluten Free Angel Food Cake
    • three carrot cake cupcakes without nuts in a row with swirls of frosting and crushed pumpkin seeds
      Easy Carrot Cake Cupcakes without Nuts
    • a gluten free lemon poppyseed cake tin a bundt shape is resting on a white plate on the kitchen countertop surrounded by a linen towel and lemons
      Gluten Free Lemon Poppyseed Cake
    • single gluten free soft sugar cookie on a dark background surrounded by sprinkles with a bite taken out of the cookie
      Gluten Free Soft Sugar Cookies - Lofthouse Copy

    Most Popular Recipes

    • gluten free nut free granola in a glass bowl on parchment paper
      Easy Gluten Free and Nut Free Granola
    • close up of a pizza covered in tomato free pizza sauce and large pepperoni on a white parchment paper with herbs surrounding it
      Tomato Free Pizza Sauce
    • bowl of brown sugar cinnamon oatmeal
      Brown Sugar Cinnamon Oatmeal
    • close view of tomato free bbq sauce in a jar with a. spoon dipping in the sauce
      Tomato Free BBQ Sauce
    Subscribe for Recipes and More!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Living Beyond Allergies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Nutrition & Allergen Policy

    Recipes by Diet

    • Gluten Free
    • Vegan
    • Dairy Free
    • Egg Free
    • Nut Free
    • Top 9 Free

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Me

    Affiliate links to products I love are sometimes used in articles. I will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

    Copyright © 2023 Living Beyond Allergies