Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential to ensure your cake bakes evenly.

Prepare your cake pans. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter and dust lightly with cake flour. This helps the cake release smoothly after baking.

If you prefer a sheet cake version, line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they are smooth and creamy. Use a mixer with a paddle attachment on low speed to maintain a gentle, even mix.

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring that each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step helps to develop a smooth batter.

Pour in the water, melted butter, and the buttermilk and maraschino cherry juice mixture. Stir gently to combine.

In a separate bowl, combine the box cake mix with the sifted cake flour. Sifting the cake flour ensures there are no lumps, helping the cake achieve a light and airy texture.

Add the almond extract and cherry extract to the dry mix. These extracts provide a balanced depth of flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed to combine, ensuring you do not overmix the batter.

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Take care that the cherries do not sink to the bottom of the cake. They should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, providing delightful bursts of cherry in every bite.

Your batter should be smooth and glossy, with a noticeable cherry flavor that promises a delicious result.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Tap the pans lightly on the counter to release any large air bubbles.

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

If you are making a boxed cake mix version for a thicker cake layer, adjust your baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the color and texture.

Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.

Carefully remove each cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack. This step is important so that the cake does not retain excess moisture.

Let the cake cool completely before proceeding to the frosting stage. Cooling is crucial for achieving the best texture, ensuring that the frosting adheres properly.

In a large bowl, add the softened butter and beat the butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar while beating the mixture continuously.

Incorporate the vanilla extract and the milk (or a little extra cherry juice for a hint of fruitiness). Continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.

For a unique twist, you can add a few drops of cherry extract to emphasize the cherry notes in your frosting. The result will be a beautifully smooth buttercream frosting that pairs perfectly with your cake.

Place one cake layer on a clean plate or cake stand. This layer forms the base of your dessert.

Spread a generous amount of frosting evenly over the top of the first layer. This step helps the layers stick together and adds a creamy texture.

Carefully position the second cake layer on top of the first. Make sure the layers align for a neat, professional look.

Use the remaining frosting to cover the top of the cake and the sides. Start at the center and work your way to the edges, ensuring an even coat.

If you are interested in trying a chip cake with whipped vanilla style, you can lightly swirl extra frosting on the top before serving.

To add an extra burst of cherry flavor, drizzle a small amount of maraschino cherry juice over the edge of the cake. This subtle addition enhances both taste and presentation.

For a festive look, consider placing a few whole maraschino cherries on the top. This final touch not only looks attractive but also reinforces the distinctive cherry chip cake recipe charm.

With your careful assembly, you now have a cake with whipped vanilla buttercream that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Serve the cake immediately after decorating, or cover it loosely with plastic wrap if you plan to serve it later.

When you slice the cake, you will notice the even distribution of cherries and the perfect balance of flavors in every bite.

Remember, this is a versatile recipe. You can experiment by making this recipe as cupcakes or even a sheet cake for larger gatherings.

Every step, from preparing the batter to frosting the cake, is designed to ensure that your finished dessert is nothing short of amazing. It’s so easy to create a delicious cherry chip cake that brings both traditional charm and innovative flavor to your table.