Retro Delight: Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe

Sweet memories bloom with every slice of this nostalgic maraschino cherry cake that whispers tales of grandmother’s kitchen.

Vibrant red cherries dance through soft, tender crumb, creating a dessert that sparkles with retro charm.

The classic recipe carries a delightful blend of sweet nostalgia and comforting flavors.

maraschino cherries add bursts of color and playful sweetness to each delectable bite.

Bakers love how simple ingredients transform into a show-stopping dessert that feels both familiar and special.

This cake promises to become a cherished favorite at gatherings, delivering pure happiness on a plate.

Prepare to fall in love with a timeless treat that connects generations through its irresistible deliciousness.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries won’t provide the same vibrant color and sweetness. Maraschino cherries are key to the vintage cake’s signature flavor and appearance.

• Do I need a special mixer to make this cake?

No, a standard electric hand mixer works perfectly. You just need something that can beat the batter and egg whites smoothly.

• What if I don't have heart-shaped pans?

Regular round or square cake pans are totally fine. The recipe is flexible and will work with any standard cake pan.

• Is this cake good for special occasions?

Absolutely! The vintage cherry cake is perfect for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or any celebration that calls for a sweet, nostalgic dessert.

Why This Vintage Cherry Cake Is Unique

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Maraschino Cherry Cake Ingredients You’ll Be Using

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Shortening: Contributes to the cake's moisture and soft crumb.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the cake batter.
• Cherry Juice, Maraschino Cherries: Provide a distinctive cherry flavor and color to the cake.
• Egg Whites: Create a light and airy texture in the cake.
• Vanilla Extract, Cherry Extract: Boost the cake's aromatic flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth and sweet frosting base.
• Butter: Provides richness and creamy texture to the frosting.
• Milk, Cherry Juice: Adjust the frosting's consistency and add subtle flavor.
• Cream of Tartar, Salt: Stabilize the egg whites in the 7-Minute Frosting.
• Egg Whites, Water: Create a fluffy, glossy meringue-like frosting.
• Vanilla Extract, Food Coloring: Optional flavor and color enhancers for the frosting.

Steps For Baking Maraschino Cherry Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab two 9-inch heart-shaped cake pans and give them a generous coating of grease and flour.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

Toss in the shortening and set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Blend Wet Components

• Milk
• Cherry juice
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Step 4: Create Smooth Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Grab an electric mixer and beat everything for 2 minutes until the batter looks silky smooth.

Step 5: Whip in Egg Whites

Add the egg whites and beat for another 2 minutes, creating a light and airy texture.

Step 6: Sprinkle in Cherries

Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared pans.

For heart-shaped pans, bake 25-30 minutes. For a sheet cake, allow 45 minutes.

If using a Bundt pan, bake 55-60 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Buttercream Frosting

• Softened butter
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Cherry juice

Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add extract and adjust milk for smooth consistency.

Step 9: Alternatively, Create 7-Minute Frosting

• Sugar
• Salt
• Cream of tartar
• Egg whites
• Water

Beat on low heat for 7 minutes until fluffy peaks form. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and optional food coloring.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve

Once the cake has cooled completely, frost with your chosen topping. Garnish with additional maraschino cherries for a nostalgic touch.

Slice, serve, and enjoy this vintage delight!

Important Notes for Cherry Cake Bakers

• Toss chopped maraschino cherries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Add a splash of almond extract alongside cherry extract to amplify the cake's fruity and nutty undertones.
• Replace some milk with cherry juice for a more intense cherry flavor and improved cake moisture.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and even cake texture.
• Chill the cake layers before frosting to create cleaner, more defined decorative edges and prevent crumbs from mixing into the frosting.

Maraschino Cherry Cake Flavors to Experiment With

• Gluten-Free Cherry Cake: Swap wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's delicate texture and cherry flavor.
• Vegan Cherry Delight: Replace eggs with applesauce, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and substitute butter with vegan margarine to create a plant-based friendly cake.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Treat: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and choose sugar-free maraschino cherries to create a diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Celebration: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream instead of butter, and maintain the rich cherry essence while accommodating lactose-intolerant guests.

Drinks and Sweets To Enjoy With Cherry Cake

• Pair Sweet Cherry Delight: Complement the cake's rich cherry flavor with a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, its light sweetness and slight effervescence perfectly balancing the cake's sugary notes.
• Create Contrasting Beverage Experience: Serve a cold, crisp champagne to cut through the cake's sweetness, providing a refreshing counterpoint that elevates the dessert's luxurious texture.
• Enhance Flavor Harmony: Match the cake with a cherry liqueur like Luxardo Maraschino, intensifying the cake's cherry essence and creating a sophisticated dessert pairing that delights the palate.
• Explore Unexpected Twist: Offer a smooth, creamy Irish cream liqueur alongside the cake, its velvety texture and subtle whiskey undertones creating a delightful and unexpected flavor combination.

How To Store Maraschino Cherry Cake Right

• Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the unfrosted cake layers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
• Cover the cake loosely with a cake dome or plastic wrap at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent spoilage.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For larger portions, place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-10 minutes to restore moisture and warmth.

Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia dances through this classic Maraschino Cherry Cake, bringing cherished memories of grandmother’s kitchen to life. Delicate crumb and glossy cherry accents promise a delightful slice of comfort you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening

Liquid Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons almond extract

Fruit and Nut Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch heart-shaped pans by greasing and flouring the surfaces thoroughly.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, then integrate shortening until evenly distributed.
3. Create a separate mixture of wet ingredients by blending milk, cherry juice, and flavor extracts until well incorporated.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and utilize an electric mixer to blend for 2 minutes, creating a smooth, consistent batter.
5. Gently incorporate egg whites into the batter, continuing to mix for an additional 2 minutes to ensure proper aeration and texture.
6. Carefully fold chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
7. Transfer batter into prepared pans, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes for layer cakes, with baking times adjusting for sheet cake (45 minutes) or Bundt pan (55-60 minutes). Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
9. For buttercream frosting, whip butter and powdered sugar together, gradually adding milk and cherry juice until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
10. Alternatively, prepare 7-minute frosting by combining sugar, salt, cream of tartar, egg whites, and water in a pot, beating on low heat for 7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
11. Allow cake to cool completely before applying chosen frosting.
12. Decorate with additional maraschino cherries for a festive, vintage-inspired presentation.

Notes

• Swap shortening with coconut oil or unsalted butter for a different flavor profile and healthier alternative.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make this cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from affecting cake texture.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter and more even baking results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg