Description
This Maraschino Cherry Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful cake that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a soft, fluffy texture. Perfect for special occasions or simply for satisfying a sweet tooth, this cake is a showstopper with its vibrant pink color and decadent flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or whole milk)
- 1 jar (10 oz) maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- 1 tbsp cherry juice (from the maraschino cherry jar)
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp maraschino cherry juice (optional, for color and flavor)
- Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan (or line with parchment paper for easy removal). - Make the Cake Batter:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and 1 tablespoon of cherry juice. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency.
Stir in the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice for flavor and color. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. - Frost the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish with whole maraschino cherries on top. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice and enjoy! This cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you’re in the mood for a sweet, cherry-flavored treat.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use heavy cream instead of milk in the frosting.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- You can decorate the cake with extra maraschino cherries or even add sprinkles for added color and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 41g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg