Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that brings back fond memories, this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is just the ticket! The sweet, juicy morsels of maraschino cherries tucked inside a tender crumb create a nostalgic experience that will take you right back to childhood celebrations. Whether it’s for a special birthday, a family gathering, or simply an afternoon treat with friends, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

I love how this cake is not only easy to make but also visually stunning. The beautiful pink hue is perfect for any occasion, making it as lovely to present as it is delicious to eat. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into this classic recipe that will surely become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the sweet cherry flavor and fluffy texture.
• Celebrate in style: Its gorgeous appearance makes it ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
• Make-ahead convenience: This cake can be baked in advance and frosted later, making party prep a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is simple and fun! You probably have most of these items in your pantry already. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
• ½ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped

For the Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
• Whole maraschino cherries for garnish

Variations

This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are a few fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and depth of flavor.
• Use different fruit: Swap out maraschino cherries for diced strawberries or blueberries for a fresh twist.
• Change the frosting: Try cream cheese frosting instead of classic buttercream for extra tanginess.
• Make it layer-worthy: Add another layer of cake and frosting to create an impressive multi-layered dessert!

How to Make Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly. While it’s heating up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper. Preparing your pans properly helps prevent sticking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour so that your cake rises beautifully.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavorings

Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract and half a cup of maraschino cherry juice. This will not only enhance flavor but also add moisture.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Milk

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture in three parts while alternating with the milk. Mixing just until combined will keep your batter from becoming tough.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. This step ensures you don’t overmix while still adding those juicy bites throughout your batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide your batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary!

Step 8: Cool Completely

After baking, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps set the texture before frosting.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing until combined. Then stir in more cherry juice and vanilla extract until everything is well blended; if needed, add milk for spreadability.

Step 10: Assemble & Decorate

Spread frosting over the first layer of cake before placing on top of it another layer. Frost the entire cake generously with more frosting and garnish with whole maraschino cherries on top for that vintage feel!

And there you have it—your very own Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake! Enjoy every slice with family and friends; I promise they’ll love it just as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Baking is an art, and with a few extra tips, you can elevate your Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake to perfection! Here are some helpful hints to ensure your cake comes out wonderfully every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allowing your butter, eggs, and milk to come to room temperature helps create a smoother batter, leading to a lighter and fluffier cake.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the development of gluten, ensuring your cake remains tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Letting the cakes cool completely on a wire rack ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt and slide off. This also helps maintain the integrity of the layers.

• Experiment with Flavor Variations: While maraschino cherries are delightful, you can experiment by adding almond extract or lemon zest for a fresh twist. This adds depth and complexity to your cake.

• Store Properly for Freshness: Keep any leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for future enjoyment.

How to Serve Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Serving your Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake can be as fun as baking it! With its lovely pink hue and charming garnishes, this cake is sure to delight both the eyes and palate at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Whole Maraschino Cherries: Adding whole cherries on top not only enhances the vintage look but also provides an extra burst of cherry flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of dairy-free whipped cream on each slice adds a creamy contrast to the sweet cake.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings over the frosting for a sophisticated touch that balances the sweetness with rich flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Servicing a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream alongside each slice creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Coffee or Tea: Pairing slices with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea elevates the dessert experience and complements its flavors beautifully.
• Chilled Lemonade: For a sunny day treat, serve with chilled lemonade; its tartness cuts through the sweetness and brightens up your dessert table.

Enjoy creating this nostalgic treat that will surely become a favorite in your household!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a slice of nostalgia any day! With proper storage, you can savor this delightful cake for days to come.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If the frosting begins to soften or if you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the cake.
• For longer storage, keep it in the fridge where it will last about a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The whole cake can also be frozen; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Thaw the cake or slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• If you prefer your cake warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Avoid reheating the whole cake in the oven, as it may dry out. Instead, use a microwave for best results.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful dessert:

Can I make Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How long does Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake last?

The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for about a week. If frozen properly, it can last up to three months!

What makes this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake special?

The combination of tender cake with sweet maraschino cherries creates a nostalgic flavor that many adore. It’s perfect for celebrations and family gatherings!

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

While fresh cherries will not provide the same sweetness and color, you can use them if you’re looking for a fresher option. Just make sure to pit and chop them finely!

Final Thoughts

This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake truly brings back memories while creating new ones! It’s soft, flavorful, and adorned with beautiful cherries that make every slice special. I hope you enjoy making this delightful recipe as much as I do. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience; I’d love to hear how it turns out!