Maraschino Cherry Cake

If you’re looking for a fun, festive, and downright delicious cake to bake, then this Maraschino Cherry Cake is about to become your new best friend. Imagine soft, moist cake studded with sweet, maraschino cherries and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. This cake is perfect for any celebration, from birthdays to holidays, or just whenever you want to indulge in something a little special. Trust me, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, and the burst of color from those cherries makes it look just as amazing as it tastes!

Why You’ll Love Maraschino Cherry Cake

This cake isn’t just about looks—it’s all about flavor. The combination of maraschino cherries and moist vanilla cake creates a light and refreshing dessert that’s not overly sweet but still absolutely decadent. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a quiet afternoon at home, here’s why you’ll fall in love with this cake:

Vibrant & Festive

The pop of red cherries throughout the cake makes it a showstopper at any event. It’s a perfect dessert for a holiday gathering or even a special occasion like a birthday or baby shower.

Soft & Moist

This cake stays wonderfully soft and moist thanks to the maraschino cherries. Each bite is like a little burst of cherry-flavored heaven, and the texture is fluffy without being too dense.

Quick & Easy

Don’t let the look of this cake fool you—this recipe is quick and easy! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll be baking this beauty in no time. No need for any fancy skills in the kitchen!

Customizable

Want to add a little extra flair? You can swap out the frosting for cream cheese frosting or even add some chopped nuts for crunch. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to get creative.

Always a Hit

Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, you can guarantee people will be asking for the recipe. It’s the kind of cake that makes everyone go, “Wow, this is amazing!”

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to create this irresistible Maraschino Cherry Cake. These simple pantry staples come together to create a beautifully moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion:

Maraschino Cherries

These little red beauties are what make this cake so fun and colorful. Not only do they give the cake a burst of flavor, but they also add a beautiful pop of color throughout.

All-Purpose Flour

The foundation of the cake, creating a soft, fluffy texture that holds up perfectly with the cherries.

Baking Powder

The secret to making your cake light and fluffy. It ensures that every slice has the perfect rise.

Salt

A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the cake.

Butter

Butter adds richness and moisture to the cake, making it wonderfully soft and tender. It’s the key to a flavorful base.

Sugar

For sweetness, of course! This helps create the right level of sweetness while maintaining the cake’s light texture.

Eggs

Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a smooth, uniform batter.

Milk

Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter. It also contributes to the soft texture of the cake.

Vanilla Extract

The perfect complement to the maraschino cherries and a must for any cake recipe.

Frosting (optional)

Butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk or cream make for a delicious, creamy frosting that ties the whole cake together. You can also use whipped cream if you prefer a lighter topping.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making this Maraschino Cherry Cake is as easy as pie (or should we say cake?). Follow these simple steps to create a showstopping dessert everyone will love:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Prepare the Cherries

Drain the maraschino cherries and reserve some of the juice for the frosting (if you’re making it). Chop the cherries into smaller pieces, but don’t worry about being too precise. You just want them small enough to distribute evenly in the batter.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Cream the Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients & Milk

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix!

Fold in the Cherries

Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cakes firm up and makes frosting easier.

Frost the Cake (optional)

Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite frosting. A simple buttercream frosting works beautifully, but you can get creative and use cream cheese frosting or even whipped cream for a lighter touch.

Serve & Enjoy!

Once your cake is frosted, slice it up and enjoy! This cake pairs wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee. It’s the perfect treat for any time of day!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 290 (depending on frosting)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes

How to Serve Maraschino Cherry Cake

This Maraschino Cherry Cake is delightful on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:

With Whipped Cream

Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an added touch of indulgence. It’s light, creamy, and the perfect contrast to the sweet cherries.

With Ice Cream

For a decadent treat, serve a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream complements the soft, sweet cake beautifully.

As a Dessert for Special Occasions

This cake is a showstopper for birthdays, baby showers, and holiday celebrations. The vibrant cherries and frosting make it the perfect centerpiece for any event.

With Coffee or Tea

Enjoy a slice of cake with your afternoon coffee or tea. The sweetness of the cake pairs beautifully with the warmth of your favorite hot beverage.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Cherries for Extra Flavor

If you prefer, you can use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries for a more natural taste. Just make sure to pit and chop them before adding them to the cake batter.

Don’t Overmix the Batter

When mixing in the dry ingredients and milk, be sure to mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid.

Make It a Layer Cake

If you want to make the cake extra fancy, you can stack the two cakes to create a layered cake. Add frosting between the layers for even more deliciousness!

Adjust the Sweetness

If you find the cake too sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cake itself or opt for a less sweet frosting.

Store Leftovers Properly

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

A1: Yes! Fresh cherries can be used. Just pit and chop them before adding them to the cake. Keep in mind, fresh cherries may not provide the same level of sweetness as maraschino cherries.

Q2: How do I store leftover Maraschino Cherry Cake?

A2: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A3: Yes! You can bake the cake and store it (without frosting) for a day or two before serving. Frost it just before serving for the freshest taste.

Q4: Can I use a different type of frosting?

A4: Absolutely! While buttercream is the classic choice, you can use cream cheese frosting or whipped cream if you prefer a lighter, tangy topping.

Q5: Can I add other fruits to this cake?

A5: Yes, you can add other fruits like chopped strawberries or blueberries for added flavor. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly.

Q6: Can I make this a chocolate cherry cake?

A6: Yes! You can easily switch up the base by using a chocolate cake mix instead of a vanilla one for a chocolate cherry cake variation.

Q7: What can I use if I don’t have cake flour?

A7: If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour. Just make sure to sift it well to keep the texture light.

Q8: How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?

A8: Coat the chopped cherries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay suspended throughout the cake as it bakes.

Q9: Can I freeze this cake?

A9: Yes! You can freeze the un-frosted cake for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw it at room temperature before frosting and serving.

Q10: Can I add nuts to the cake batter?

A10: Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a lovely addition to the batter. Just fold them in gently with the cherries.

Conclusion

This Maraschino Cherry Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant color, rich flavor, and light, fluffy texture, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake brings both flavor and fun to the table. Go ahead, give it a try—everyone will be asking for seconds!

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