Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of maraschino cherries with a light, fluffy cake. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress with its vibrant color and rich flavor. Follow this detailed recipe to create a beautiful and delicious maraschino cherry cake that will be the star of your dessert table.
Overview of the Recipe
This Maraschino Cherry Cake recipe features a moist and tender cake base flavored with maraschino cherry juice and almond extract, providing a delightful cherry-almond flavor profile. Topped with either a luscious buttercream frosting or a light and airy 7-minute frosting, this cake is both visually appealing and delicious.
History and Origin
Maraschino cherries, originally a delicacy from Croatia, became popular in the United States in the early 20th century. These preserved cherries are typically soaked in a flavored syrup, often bright red in color. Incorporating maraschino cherries into cakes and desserts has been a tradition for decades, bringing a nostalgic and festive touch to many recipes.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening (like Crisco)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (evaporated or buttermilk preferred)
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons almond extract
- 4 egg whites (unbeaten)
- 1/2 cup chopped maraschino cherries (around 15 to 18), blotted dry with paper towels
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Buttercream Frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 8 tablespoons cherry juice (or milk) to make a free-flowing frosting
- Optional: Red food coloring for a deeper red (1 or 2 drops)
7-Minute Cooked Frosting (Alternative)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 egg whites
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 2 drops of red food coloring
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 9-inch heart-shaped pans (or other preferred shapes).
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add Shortening: Add the shortening to the bowl and set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, cherry juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients (with the shortening) and use an electric mixer to beat for 2 minutes until evenly blended.
- Add Egg Whites: Add the egg whites and beat for another 2 minutes.
- Fold in Cherries: Fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and optional nuts if using.
Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For a sheet cake, bake for around 45 minutes. For a Bundt pan, bake for 55 to 60 minutes.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
- Mix Ingredients: In a deep bowl, slowly beat together the butter and powdered sugar with the milk and cherry juice until light and fluffy using a hand mixer.
- Add Extract: Stir in the almond extract (or vanilla extract) at the end. Add more milk if necessary to achieve a smooth, easy-to-spread consistency.
Prepare the 7-Minute Frosting (Alternative)
- Combine Ingredients: Place the sugar, salt, cream of tartar, egg whites, and water in a heavy-duty stainless 3-quart pot (do not add the vanilla yet).
- Beat Frosting: Turn the stove to low heat and beat with an electric mixer constantly for 7 minutes or until the frosting forms fluffy and stiff peaks.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and food coloring, if using.
Decorate the Cake
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Frost the Cake: Spread the frosting over the cake. For presentation purposes, you can add additional cherries on top if desired.
Serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
Serve the maraschino cherry cake with a side of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of cold milk. For an added touch of elegance, garnish each slice with a whole maraschino cherry and a sprig of mint.
Variations of the Recipe
- Chocolate Cherry Cake: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
- Cherry-Almond Cake: Increase the almond extract to 1 tablespoon and add 1/2 cup of sliced almonds to the batter.
- Cherry Coconut Cake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical flavor.
Health Benefits
While this cake is a sweet treat, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Maraschino cherries provide a small amount of vitamin C and antioxidants. Using buttermilk or evaporated milk can add additional calcium and protein to the cake.
Notes
- Blot Cherries Dry: Ensure the maraschino cherries are well-blotted dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake’s texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients helps achieve a smooth and even batter.
- Alternative Frosting: The 7-minute frosting is a great alternative if you prefer a lighter, meringue-like frosting over the richer buttercream.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? Yes, but fresh cherries will have a different flavor and moisture content. If using fresh cherries, consider reducing the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly.
2. How do I store the cake? Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake.
3. Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake layers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and serving.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a burst of cherry flavor to your table. Whether you choose the rich buttercream frosting or the light and airy 7-minute frosting, this cake is sure to impress. Enjoy the nostalgic taste of maraschino cherries in this beautiful and delicious cake, perfect for any celebration or special occasion!