Maraschino Cherry Cake

Maraschino Cherry Cake: A Sweet Burst of Nostalgia in Every Bite

The Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delightful, vibrant dessert that instantly catches the eye with its charming pink hue and captivates the palate with its moist texture and sweet cherry flavor. Loved by generations, this cake blends the timeless flavor of vanilla with the rich, sweet notes of maraschino cherries — a perfect centerpiece for celebrations or a cheerful treat for any day.

Below is a step-by-step guide to make a homemade Maraschino Cherry Cake that’s fluffy, flavorful, and downright gorgeous.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2½ cups all-purpose flour
2½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1½ cups granulated sugar
4 large egg whites
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but recommended)
¾ cup whole milk
½ cup maraschino cherry juice (from the jar)
¾ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
Pink or red food coloring (optional, for a deeper hue)

For the Frosting (Buttercream):

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
2–3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release.

Drain the maraschino cherries well and chop them into small pieces. Reserve the juice — you’ll need it for both the batter and the frosting.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents throughout the cake.