A moist Maraschino Cherry Cake is a delightful treat, perfect for adding a touch of elegance and fun to your baking repertoire. Here’s a recipe to get you started:
Moist Maraschino Cherry Cake
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, chopped (drained well)
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line with parchment paper).
- Make the Cake Batter:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and maraschino cherry juice. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of maraschino cherry juice and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency with more cherry juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Frost the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate (Optional):
- Garnish with additional maraschino cherries or sprinkles if desired.
Enjoy your deliciously moist Maraschino Cherry Cake with its sweet and fruity flavor!
