Description
This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is a nostalgic, soft, and flavorful dessert bursting with the sweet taste of maraschino cherries. With its beautiful pink hue and tender crumb, this cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply indulging in a classic treat. Topped with a smooth, creamy frosting and garnished with cherries, this cake is as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup maraschino cherry juice
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup maraschino cherries, chopped
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
- Whole maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat & Prepare Pans
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
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Add Eggs & Flavorings
- Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and maraschino cherry juice.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients & Milk
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk.
- Mix just until combined.
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Fold in Cherries
- Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries into the batter.
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Bake the Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool Completely
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Add maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- If needed, add milk for a spreadable consistency.
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Assemble & Decorate
- Spread frosting over the first cake layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Garnish with whole maraschino cherries for a classic vintage look.