Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

If you’re looking for a cake that brings back sweet childhood memories, you’ll love this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake. This delightful dessert is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors that will whisk you away to simpler times. With its soft texture and lovely pink hue, this cake is perfect for birthdays, family gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight indulgence.

What makes this cake truly special is the burst of sweetness from the maraschino cherries, both in the cake and the frosting. It’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it a fun baking project for everyone.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this sweet cherry delight.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The pink frosting and cherry garnish make it a showstopper at any gathering.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or just because, this cake fits right in.
• Nostalgic Flavor: It’s a taste of nostalgia that warms the heart with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake comes together beautifully with just a few pantry staples and some delightful cherries.

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Change the Frosting Color: Use food coloring to create vibrant hues that match your celebration theme.
• Try Different Flavors: Substitute almond extract for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make It Layered: Bake three layers instead of two for an impressive tall cake.

How to Make Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step because starting with a hot oven ensures your cakes rise properly. While that’s heating up, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter. Set this aside while we move on to the next step!

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, which gives your cake its tender crumb. Take your time here—about 3-5 minutes should do!

Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavorings

Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice. These ingredients add moisture and flavor that are essential to our delicious cake.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Milk

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture in three parts while alternating with milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. This method prevents overmixing and keeps your cake light.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries into your batter using a spatula. This adds little bursts of flavor throughout each slice!

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

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

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once baked, let your cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key; it prevents melting when we frost our masterpiece!

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

While your cakes cool down, beat softened butter until creamy in another bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth before mixing in maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract. If necessary, add milk until you reach that perfect spreadable consistency.

Step 10: Assemble & Decorate

Spread frosting over the top of one layer before placing the second layer on top. Frost the entire cake and garnish with whole maraschino cherries for that classic vintage look.

And there you have it—a delightful Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips for Making Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Baking a cake can be a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter cream more easily and allows for better incorporation of the eggs, resulting in a fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined after adding dry ingredients helps maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cakes a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking. Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, your cakes are done!

• Cool completely before frosting: Ensure your cakes are completely cooled to prevent the frosting from melting. This will allow for a beautiful presentation and stable layers.

• Store leftovers properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week. This keeps it fresh and delicious!

How to Serve Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Serving your Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is all about presentation! Here are some creative ideas to make it shine on your dining table.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

• Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for a rich contrast that enhances both flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the cake, adding a burst of flavor and color to your dessert spread.

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream next to a slice of cake creates a classic combination that delights both kids and adults alike.

• Coffee or tea: Serving warm coffee or herbal tea alongside your cake provides a comforting finish to your meal, perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea.

This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is not only delicious but also makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time for special occasions or just a delightful treat throughout the week. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If it’s warm in your kitchen, consider refrigerating it to maintain freshness.
• Keep any leftover frosting in a separate container; it can be used for touch-ups later.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For individual slices, cut the cake before wrapping for easy access later.

Reheating

• To reheat, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can enjoy the cake at room temperature after thawing from the freezer.

FAQs

Have questions about making this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use other types of cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes! While maraschino cherries give this cake its unique flavor and nostalgic charm, you can experiment with fresh or frozen cherries. Just make sure to adjust the juice quantities accordingly.

How do I achieve the perfect texture for my Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake?

To ensure a soft and tender crumb, avoid overmixing once you add the flour. Mixing just until combined will help keep your cake fluffy!

Can I make this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will allow you to enjoy this delightful dessert without gluten.

What can I use if I don’t have maraschino cherry juice?

You can replace maraschino cherry juice with cherry juice or even a splash of grenadine for a similar sweet flavor and lovely color.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake brings a smile to your face as much as it does to mine! Its nostalgia and sweetness make it a truly special treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making it, share it with loved ones, and let those delightful flavors take you back in time. Happy baking!