Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delightful dessert that brings back memories of simpler times. This Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is a soft, tender cake with a charming pink hue and a burst of sweet cherry flavor that instantly transports you back to the good old days. With its moist texture and nostalgic appeal, this cake offers a comforting taste of home, using simple ingredients that anyone can gather. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this recipe is sure to bring joy to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Maraschino Cherry Cake
This moist maraschino cherry cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it comes with numerous benefits. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Second, the use of maraschino cherries adds a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the cake’s sweetness. Third, it’s a versatile dessert that can be served at any gathering—be it a birthday party, a family reunion, or just a cozy night in. Fourth, this cake can easily be transformed into a maraschino cherry layer cake or even a maraschino cherry bundt cake. Additionally, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a slice!

Ingredients for Maraschino Cherry Cake
Gather these items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice or milk for drizzle
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan.
- Step 2: Drain maraschino cherries, reserve the juice, and pat cherries dry before chopping.
- Step 3: Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in milk and reserved cherry juice.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 6: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Step 7: Gently fold chopped cherries into the batter.
- Step 8: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 9: Let cake cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 10: Whisk powdered sugar with cherry juice and drizzle over cooled cake.
Pro Tips for the Best Maraschino Cherry Cake
Keep these in mind:
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
- You can substitute the cherries with other fruits if desired for a unique twist.
- For a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend.
- Always let the cake cool before applying frosting to prevent melting.

Best Ways to Serve Maraschino Cherry Cake
This cake is wonderful on its own, but there are some great ways to elevate it further. Consider serving your cherry cake with maraschino alongside fresh whipped cream for a delightful contrast. Alternatively, you can make a maraschino cherry cake with frosting using cream cheese frosting for added sweetness and creaminess. Top with extra chopped cherries for a beautiful presentation!
How to Store and Reheat Maraschino Cherry Cake
To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. This cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a slice whenever you like!
Frequently Asked Questions About Maraschino Cherry Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Maraschino Cherry Cake?
The secret lies in using high-quality maraschino cherries and ensuring the batter is not overmixed. This helps achieve a fluffy texture, making your fluffy maraschino cherry cake recipe stand out.
Can I make Maraschino Cherry Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the frosting before serving for optimal freshness.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Maraschino Cherry Cake?
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This leads to a better-emulsified batter, ensuring a moist maraschino cherry cake with even texture.
Variations of Maraschino Cherry Cake You Can Try
Feel free to experiment! You can create a cherry almond maraschino cake by adding almond extract to the batter. For a festive twist, consider making a gluten-free maraschino cherry cake using almond flour. Another fun variation is to create a maraschino cherry layer cake, stacking layers of fluffy cake with rich frosting in between.
For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking techniques. If you’re interested in other dessert recipes, visit this page for inspiration. Don’t forget to explore more about cake variations!
Print
Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake: 12 Sweet Memories Await
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake is a soft, tender cake with a classic pink hue and sweet cherry flavor that feels nostalgic and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp maraschino cherry juice or milk for drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan.
- Drain maraschino cherries, reserve the juice, and pat cherries dry before chopping.
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in milk and reserved cherry juice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold chopped cherries into the batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cake cool briefly in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar with cherry juice and drizzle over cooled cake.
Notes
- This cake pairs well with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- You can substitute the cherries with other fruits if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Maraschino Cherry Cake, Vintage Cake, Cherry Dessert