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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch heart-shaped pans by greasing and flouring the surfaces thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, then integrate shortening until evenly distributed.
- Create a separate mixture of wet ingredients by blending milk, cherry juice, and flavor extracts until well incorporated.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture and utilize an electric mixer to blend for 2 minutes, creating a smooth, consistent batter.
- Gently incorporate egg whites into the batter, continuing to mix for an additional 2 minutes to ensure proper aeration and texture.
- Carefully fold chopped maraschino cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Transfer batter into prepared pans, ensuring even distribution and smooth surface.
- 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.
- For buttercream frosting, whip butter and powdered sugar together, gradually adding milk and cherry juice until achieving a light, fluffy consistency.
- 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.
- Allow cake to cool completely before applying chosen frosting.
- 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