Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
For the Frosting:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- Maraschino cherries, for garnish
Directions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and maraschino cherry juice, beating until smooth and creamy.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more cherry juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract to the cake batter.
- If you prefer a lighter frosting, you can substitute half of the butter with cream cheese.
- Be sure to drain the maraschino cherries well before chopping them to remove excess liquid.
FAQ
Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! This Maraschino Cherry Cake can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Simply frost the cake just before serving for the best results.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries? While fresh cherries can be used, they will impart a slightly different flavor and texture to the cake. If using fresh cherries, be sure to pit and chop them before adding them to the batter.
Can I freeze this cake? Yes, this cake can be frozen either frosted or unfrosted for up to three months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Food Pairings
Pair this Maraschino Cherry Cake with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of freshly brewed coffee for the ultimate indulgence. The sweet, fruity notes of the cake complement the crispness of the wine or the bold flavors of the coffee perfectly.
In Conclusion
Indulge your senses and delight your guests with this exquisite Maraschino Cherry Cake. With its heavenly blend of flavors and simple elegance, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Share the joy by sharing this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more delicious inspiration!