Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a deep 9x13-inch baking dish.

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.

Beat 1 cup sugar and butter in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in milk and vanilla. Add flour mixture and mix until batter is well blended and thick, 2 to 3 minutes.

Spread batter in the prepared baking dish. Arrange cherries over the batter, then drizzle cherry juice over top. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup sugar over the surface.

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.