Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Looking for a nostalgic dessert that’s as charming as it is delicious? Enter the Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake. This cake is a throwback to simpler times, with its tender, moist crumb and a sweet cherry punch that makes every bite feel like a special treat. The maraschino cherries give it that unique flavor and pop of color that turns a classic cake into something extraordinary. It’s like a cozy trip back in time, with a big slice of sweetness at the end!

This cake is perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or simply craving a slice of something comforting and sweet. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

This cake is a timeless favorite that brings a little sunshine to your table. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:

Nostalgic

It has that vintage feel, reminiscent of a time when homemade cakes were the highlight of any gathering. It’s a great way to bring some old-school charm to your baking routine.

Easy to Make

No complicated techniques here! The ingredients are simple, and the process is straightforward. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll find this cake a breeze to make.

Light and Moist

Thanks to the maraschino cherries, this cake is incredibly moist. The cherries add a delicate sweetness and a little bit of a surprise with every bite.

Crowd-Pleasing

This cake is perfect for any occasion! It’s always a crowd favorite, from family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. Plus, it’s so pretty with those vibrant cherries—it’s sure to impress!

Customizable

Want to make it even more decadent? Try frosting it with cream cheese frosting or adding a sprinkle of shredded coconut. You can play around with the flavor to make it your own.

Ingredients

This cake is all about the basics, with just a few key ingredients that come together to make something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Maraschino Cherries: The star of the show! The cherries add that classic sweetness and a little pop of color.
• Flour: The base for the cake. All-purpose flour gives it structure while keeping it soft and light.
• Sugar: Sweetens the deal, balancing out the tartness of the cherries.
• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: They provide structure and a bit of fluffiness to the batter.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become nice and airy.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of warmth to the overall taste.
• Milk: Helps to bring everything together into a smooth batter.
• Maraschino Cherry Juice: Adds extra cherry flavor and keeps the cake moist.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.

(Note: Exact measurements will be in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how you make this beautiful vintage cake:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and has that perfect golden color.

Prepare the Cake Pans

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will make it easier to remove the cakes once they’re baked and cool.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for later.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will give the cake a soft texture and a nice sweetness.

Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.

Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Wet Ingredients

Now, alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Add the Maraschino Cherries and Juice

Gently fold in the maraschino cherries, along with a tablespoon or two of the cherry juice. This will infuse the cake with a burst of cherry flavor and keep it moist.

Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake is completely cool, serve as is, or top with your favorite frosting (cream cheese frosting works wonderfully). Add a few more maraschino cherries on top for that extra touch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (plus cooling time)

How to Serve Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

This cake is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, here are some serving suggestions:

• Frosted with Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with the cherry flavor, adding tang and richness to each bite.
• Top with Fresh Cherries: For an extra touch of color and flavor, top the cake with fresh maraschino cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: This cake makes a lovely treat for afternoon tea or coffee time.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can complement the cake’s richness and add an extra layer of decadence.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can bake the cake layers the day before and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature until you’re ready to frost.
• Make It Festive: For a more festive look, you can add colorful sprinkles or shredded coconut on top.
• Storage Tips: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake layers for up to a month. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to frost.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cherry?
A1: While maraschino cherries give this cake its signature flavor, you can experiment with other types of cherries if you prefer, like fresh Bing cherries or jarred sour cherries. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! The cake can be made ahead of time. Just store the layers wrapped in plastic wrap, and frost them when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: Can I use a different frosting?
A3: Of course! While cream cheese frosting is a classic, you can also use buttercream frosting, whipped cream, or even a chocolate ganache for a different flavor.

Q4: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Just be sure to also check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q5: How do I store leftover cake?
A5: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re keeping it longer, refrigerate it.

Q6: Can I freeze this cake?
A6: Yes, you can freeze this cake. Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature and frost when ready.

Q7: Can I use a different pan size?
A7: Yes, you can use different-sized pans. Just adjust the baking time depending on the size of your pan—smaller pans may bake faster, and larger pans may take a little longer.

Q8: How do I prevent the cherries from sinking to the bottom?
A8: To prevent the cherries from sinking, toss them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This will help them stay evenly distributed throughout the cake.

Q9: Can I make a sheet cake instead of a layered cake?
A9: Yes! You can bake the cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish for a simple sheet cake version. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Q10: What can I serve with this cake?
A10: This cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Conclusion

The Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is a classic dessert that brings a little old-school sweetness to the table. It’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to brighten any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it with a cup of tea, this cake is bound to win over hearts and taste buds alike. Go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be transported to another time with every bite!

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