Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delightful throwback to simpler times, where every bite tells a story of nostalgia and sweetness. This cake, with its vibrant red cherries nestled within a moist, fluffy batter, has been a beloved dessert for generations. Originating in the mid-20th century, it became a staple at family gatherings and celebrations, often gracing the tables of birthdays and holidays alike. The combination of the rich cherry flavor and the tender crumb creates a taste sensation that is both comforting and indulgent.
People adore Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake not just for its delicious flavor, but also for its eye-catching appearance. The bright cherries add a pop of color, making it a showstopper at any event. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make, requiring simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this cake is sure to bring joy and smiles to everyone who gets a slice!
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Extra maraschino cherries for decoration
Preparing the Batter
Let’s get started on this delightful Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake! First, we need to prepare our batter. Follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This will ensure that our cake comes out easily once baked.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a lovely flavor to our cake.
- Now, we’ll alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture. Start by adding one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk. Mix until just combined. Repeat this process, ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix!
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and walnuts (if using) into the batter. This will give our cake those delightful bursts of cherry flavor.
Baking the Cake
Now that our batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cake!
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent sogginess.
Preparing the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, let’s whip up a simple yet delicious frosting!
- In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste the frosting and adjust the sweetness if necessary. You can add more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter frosting.
Assembling the Cake
Now comes the fun part—assembling our Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake!
- Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. This will be the base layer.
- Spread a generous amount of frosting on top of the first layer. Make sure to cover it evenly, reaching the edges.
- Carefully place the second layer on top of the frosted first layer. Press down gently to secure it in place.
- Now, spread frosting over the top and sides of the entire cake. Use a spatula to create a smooth finish or get creative with swirls and peaks!
- For a decorative touch, place extra maraschino
Conclusion:
In summary, this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that combines nostalgia with flavor. The moist, tender cake paired with the sweet and tangy maraschino cherries creates a perfect harmony that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a slice of happiness, this cake is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding a splash of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor or incorporating chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. I encourage you to give this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations. Happy baking! Print
Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake: A Timeless Recipe for Sweet Nostalgia
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake, a moist and fluffy treat studded with cherries and walnuts, topped with creamy frosting. Perfect for celebrations or any sweet occasion!
Ingredients
Scale- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
- ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Extra maraschino cherries for decoration
Instructions
### Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake, featuring a moist and fluffy cake studded with cherries and walnuts, topped with a creamy frosting. Perfect for any celebration!
—
#### Recipe Summary:
– **Prep Time:** 20 minutes
– **Cook Time:** 30 minutes
– **Total Time:** 50 minutes
– **Yield:** 12 servings—
### Full Ingredients:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
– ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
– 2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
– Extra maraschino cherries for decoration—
### Full Instructions:
1. **Preparing the Batter:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
– In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
– Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
– Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting with one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the milk. Mix until just combined, ending with the flour mixture. Avoid overmixing.
– Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and walnuts (if using).2. **Baking the Cake:**
– Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
– Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.3. **Preparing the Frosting:**
– In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with more milk if necessary.4. **Assembling the Cake:**
– Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread frosting on top of the first layer.
– Place the second layer on top and press gently. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
– Decorate with extra maraschino cherries on top.—
### Notes:
This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or even a hint of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy the delightful cherry flavor with every slice!Notes
- This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
- Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite nuts or even a hint of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
