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Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Close-up of a moist slice of pink cherry cake layered with white frosting and topped with maraschino cherries.
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This is a classic, moist cherry cake recipe using maraschino cherries for a distinct flavor and bright color. It is a simple layer cake that tastes like the old times.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
  • 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
  • 1/4 cup maraschino cherries, halved (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 minutes with an electric mixer.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. In a separate small bowl, mix the milk and the maraschino cherry juice.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped, drained maraschino cherries.
  8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Once cool, frost with your preferred vanilla or cherry buttercream frosting and top with the halved maraschino cherries.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute almond extract for half of the vanilla extract.
  • If you want a deeper pink color in the cake, add 1-2 drops of red food coloring when mixing the wet ingredients.
  • This cake pairs well with a simple cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweet cherries.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/cherry-cake-vintage-maraschino-recipe/