Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and affection, and what better way to do so than with a homemade dessert? This Maraschino Cherry Cake is a vintage recipe that has been cherished for decades. Its vibrant colors, light texture, and nostalgic flavors make it the perfect dessert for the occasion. Whether you bake it in a heart-shaped pan or present it in classic round layers, this cake is sure to impress your loved ones. Let’s dive into the details of this delightful recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Cake
When it comes to dessert, few things can rival the charm and elegance of a homemade cake. This Maraschino Cherry Cake stands out for several reasons. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt gesture that embodies care, effort, and tradition.
1. Perfect for Special Occasions
The vibrant pink hue of this cake, thanks to the cherry juice and optional food coloring, makes it ideal for Valentine’s Day. Its festive appearance ensures it’s the centerpiece of any celebration. Bake it in a heart-shaped pan for an extra romantic touch, or get creative with decorating to personalize it.
2. Rich Yet Light Flavor
This cake strikes a beautiful balance between richness and lightness. The almond and vanilla extracts add depth to the flavor, while the maraschino cherries provide bursts of sweetness in every bite. The cake’s texture is airy, thanks to the egg whites, making it a pleasure to eat without feeling heavy.
3. A Nostalgic Recipe
This recipe comes from a bygone era, bringing with it a sense of nostalgia. It’s a reminder of the simple joys of homemade baking, where every ingredient is chosen with care, and every step is a labor of love.
4. Customizable Options
While the original recipe is delightful on its own, it offers plenty of room for customization. Swap out the cherries for raspberries, add chopped pecans for texture, or experiment with different frostings to make it your own.
Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Cake
Cake Ingredients:
Creating the perfect cake begins with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ½ cups sifted cake flour: The foundation of a tender cake, cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, resulting in a finer crumb. (A DIY option is shared below.)
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the cake’s moistness.
- 3 ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ cup vegetable shortening: Adds richness and tenderness to the cake.
- ¾ cup whole milk: Use evaporated or buttermilk for a tangy twist.
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice: Adds flavor and a hint of pink color.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer.
- 2 tsp almond extract: Complements the cherries and adds a unique depth of flavor.
- 4 egg whites: Create a light and fluffy texture when whipped into the batter.
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries: Ensure they are blotted dry to avoid adding excess moisture.
- Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
Frosting Options:
Buttercream Cherry Frosting:
- 4 cups powdered sugar: The base of a creamy, sweet frosting.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness and smoothness.
- 8 tbsp cherry juice: Provides flavor and a light pink hue. Milk can be used for a more subtle flavor.
- 1 tsp almond extract: Ties the frosting to the cake’s flavors.
- Optional: A few drops of red food coloring for a more vibrant finish.
7-Minute Frosting:
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the frosting while maintaining a light texture.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
- ½ tsp cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites.
- 2 egg whites: Whipped to stiff peaks for a fluffy texture.
- 3 tbsp water: Helps dissolve the sugar during cooking.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma.
- Optional: A few drops of red food coloring for a festive touch
Step-by-Step Instructions to make Maraschino Cherry Cake
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped pans or any pans of your choice. This step ensures the cake releases easily after baking. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting aerates the flour, creating a lighter texture. - Blend in the Shortening
Add the shortening to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly. This step ensures the fat is evenly distributed. - Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients while beating on medium speed for 2 minutes. - Incorporate Egg Whites
Add the egg whites to the batter and beat for another 2 minutes. This step lightens the batter, ensuring a fluffy cake. - Fold in Cherries
Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries. Make sure they’re blotted dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture. - Pour and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
Preparing the Frostings
Buttercream Frosting:
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Gradually add the cherry juice or milk while beating until smooth.
- Stir in the almond extract and red food coloring (if desired) for a festive touch.
7-Minute Frosting:
- Combine the sugar, salt, cream of tartar, egg whites, and water in a heatproof bowl.
- Place the bowl over simmering water and beat with an electric mixer for 7 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla extract and food coloring, and mix well.
Pair your cherry cake with a refreshing beverage, such as this Lemon Balm Tea for a perfect afternoon tea setup.
FAQs About Maraschino Cherry Cake
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used as a substitute, but they will alter the flavor and texture slightly. Maraschino cherries have a sweet, syrupy consistency that fresh cherries lack. If you choose to use fresh cherries, chop them finely and toss them in a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of maraschino cherries.
How do I keep cherries from sinking in the cake batter?
To prevent cherries from sinking to the bottom, coat them lightly in flour before folding them into the batter. This technique creates a barrier that helps suspend the cherries evenly throughout the cake.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or guar gum for structure. The rest of the recipe can remain the same.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you don’t have almond extract or prefer not to use it, vanilla extract or even orange zest can be excellent substitutes. These options provide a unique twist while complementing the cherry flavor.
What’s the best way to store Maraschino Cherry Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 6 months. Thaw completely before frosting and serving.
Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes, this batter works beautifully for cupcakes. Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What’s the secret to a moist Maraschino Cherry Cake?
The key to moistness lies in not overmixing the batter and incorporating liquids like cherry juice or a simple syrup drizzle after baking. Brush a mixture of cherry juice and sugar over the cake layers before frosting for added moisture and flavor.
Is this cake suitable for other occasions?
While perfect for Valentine’s Day, the cake’s bright pink hue and sweet flavor make it suitable for birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers, and bridal showers. It’s a versatile dessert that can be adapted for any celebration.
Can I use a boxed cake mix as a shortcut?
Yes! Use a white or yellow boxed cake mix as the base. Replace the water with cherry juice, and fold in chopped maraschino cherries for a quick and easy alternative that still delivers great flavor.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Making and Eating This Maraschino Cherry Cake
This Maraschino Cherry Cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a labor of love, a nostalgic nod to vintage baking traditions, and a statement piece for any special occasion. Its light, tender crumb and sweet, fruity flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, while the vibrant pink hue and festive appearance ensure it’s the centerpiece of your celebration.
Whether you’re baking it for Valentine’s Day, a loved one’s birthday, or just to indulge your sweet tooth, this cake is a testament to the joy of homemade treats. Its versatility allows for endless creativity, from experimenting with different fruits to customizing the frosting. And with options to make it gluten-free, nut-free, or in cupcake form, it’s a dessert that truly caters to everyone.
Beyond its taste and appearance, the process of making this cake is an opportunity to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of baking. From whipping up the batter to decorating the final masterpiece, every step is infused with care and intention.
Try this recipe today, and let its timeless charm and irresistible flavors bring joy to your table. Your loved ones will thank you, and you’ll have a new favorite recipe to treasure for years to come.