Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake Recipe

This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is pure nostalgia on a plate! Vibrant pink crumb, flecks of candy-like cherries, and fluffy cherry-kissed frosting make every bite a delightful trip down memory lane. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply craving an old-fashioned treat, this showstopping layer cake captures the charm of soda-fountain days and family gatherings. The combination of rich butter cake and sweet cherry flavor is nothing short of irresistible, making it perfect for wowing friends or spoiling yourself just because.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is wonderfully simple, but each item truly matters. From buttery richness to bright cherry juice, every element brings color, flavor, and that signature cake-shop texture to your finished dessert.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s sturdy structure, yet keeps the crumb tender and light.
• Baking powder: Ensures your cake rises beautifully for a soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors and keeps the cake from tasting flat.
• Unsalted butter (for both cake and frosting): Adds rich flavor and creamy moisture to the cake layers and a smooth, velvety texture to the frosting.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while keeping its texture fine and tender.
• Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add an extra dose of richness.
• Maraschino cherry juice: Tints and flavors both cake and frosting with that iconic rosy color and unmistakable cherry sweetness.
• Milk: Keeps the cake moist and helps blend all the flavors seamlessly.
• Vanilla extract: Balances and enhances the cake’s flavor, adding warmth and depth.
• Maraschino cherries (chopped for cake, whole for garnish): Give delightful pops of color, fruity bursts in every bite, and that classic decorative touch.
• Powdered sugar: Essential for making the frosting ultra-smooth and sweet without any graininess.

How to Make Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s perfectly hot and ready for baking. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment if you prefer extra-easy release—this ensures your cakes will slip right out, intact and beautiful.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is quick but important; blending these ensures the cake rises evenly and the seasons are distributed from bite one to the last crumb.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until they’re light, fluffy, and pale. This process creates tiny air pockets, which means a softer, lighter cake texture later on. Don’t rush it—it’s worth every extra minute spent mixing.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat the eggs in, one at a time, to fully incorporate each before moving on. Then mix in vanilla extract and luscious maraschino cherry juice—the moment that blushing pink hue and candy-shop aroma make an appearance, you’ll know you’re on your way to a true Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake!

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

With your mixer on low, add the dry flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk. This gradual approach helps prevent over-mixing and keeps the batter perfectly smooth. Stop as soon as no flour streaks remain—over-mixing can make a dense cake.

Step 6: Fold in the Cherries

Now for the fun: gently fold in those chopped maraschino cherries. Handle with care to avoid streaking, and revel in the vibrant speckles they create throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops if needed. Bake on the center rack for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible cherry aroma!

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once baked, let the cakes rest in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then gently turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely—waiting is hard, but essential for smooth, non-melting frosting later.

Step 9: Prepare the Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar for silky texture, then blend in maraschino cherry juice and vanilla. If your frosting feels too thick, drizzle in a bit of milk for perfect spreadability.

Step 10: Assemble and Decorate

Place your first cake layer on a serving platter and generously spread frosting over the top. Layer on the second cake and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. For the grand finale, crown your Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake with whole maraschino cherries—the signature, charming finish.

How to Serve Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

Garnishes

The best finishing touch for this cake is a flourish of whole maraschino cherries arranged around the top or in the center—it’s a visual cue that this is no ordinary cake. A scatter of extra chopped cherries or a sprinkling of toasted coconut can also add pop and contrast, while a few mint leaves lend a fresh, modern twist.

Side Dishes

Since Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is rich and flavorful, it’s perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or even a mug of hot coffee. For a brunch party, serve thin slices alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful balance of sweet and tart.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things a step further, try slicing the cake into individual squares for a retro dessert table, or use vintage-inspired cake stands for a classic look at any gathering. Cupcake versions with piped cherry frosting and miniature maraschino cherries look adorable for showers or birthdays, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow find yourself with leftovers, wrap slices tightly in plastic or place the whole cake in an airtight container. It keeps fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.

Freezing

Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake freezes beautifully! Wrap unfrosted cake layers individually in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before frosting, so you can get ahead for parties or whenever a cake craving hits.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature, so there’s no need for reheating. If it’s chilled from the fridge, just let slices sit out for 20 minutes for the softest crumb and perfect frosting texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries have a different flavor and moisture level, so for authentic Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake results, stick with classic jarred maraschino cherries. Their sweetness, color, and signature hint of almond are essential to this cake.

Can this recipe be made as cupcakes instead of a layer cake?

Absolutely! Simply divide the batter among cupcake tins lined with papers and reduce the bake time to about 18-22 minutes. The resulting cupcakes are perfect miniatures of the vintage classic.

Is there a way to make the frosting less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet frosting, start with three cups of powdered sugar and taste as you go, adding more only if needed for structure. A pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can also help balance the sweetness.

What’s the best way to chop maraschino cherries?

Drain them thoroughly before chopping—excess juice can make the cake batter too wet. Use a sharp knife and pat the chopped cherries with paper towels if they’re especially juicy.

How do I achieve extra pink color in the cake?

If you want a truly vibrant hue, you can add a few drops of red or pink food coloring while mixing in the cherry juice. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as the maraschino cherry juice already gives a lovely blush on its own.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake feels like rediscovering a sweet secret from the past. With its playful colors and irresistible cherry flavor, it never fails to brighten the table and bring smiles all around. Give it a whirl—there’s every chance this could become your own beloved cake tradition!

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