Maraschino Party Cake is a mid-20th-century American dessert that reflects the era’s fascination with bright, celebratory ingredients and convenient baking methods. Popular at luncheons, card parties, and holiday gatherings, this cake relies on whipped egg whites for lift rather than heavy butter, giving it a light yet moist crumb. The signature flavor comes from maraschino cherries and their syrup, which add sweetness, color, and a subtle almond-like note. Chopped nuts provide texture, making each slice festive and visually appealing. Baked in an 8-inch square pan, this cake was designed for easy slicing and sharing, perfect for casual entertaining when presentation mattered just as much as flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups cake flour
- 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup vegetable shortening
- ¼ cup maraschino cherry juice (from a 5 oz bottle)
- 16 maraschino cherries (cut into eighths)
- ½ cup milk
- 4 egg whites
- ½ cup nuts (chopped, walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Sift cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add Shortening
- Cut shortening into the dry ingredients until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add Cherry Base
- Add maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries to the bowl.
Step 4: Add Milk
- Pour in milk and mix until combined.
Step 5: Beat Batter
- Beat mixture for 2 minutes until smooth.
Step 6: Add Egg Whites
- Add egg whites to the batter.
Step 7: Beat Again
- Beat an additional 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 8: Fold in Nuts
- Gently fold in chopped nuts.
Step 9: Prepare Pan
- Grease an 8-inch square baking pan.
Step 10: Fill Pan
- Pour batter evenly into prepared pan.
Step 11: Bake
- Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes.
Step 12: Test Doneness
- Insert a toothpick into center; it should come out clean.
Step 13: Cool in Pan
- Allow cake to cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Step 14: Remove Cake
- Carefully remove cake from pan.
Step 15: Cool Completely
- Place on rack and cool completely before serving.
Tips
- Use cake flour for best texture
- Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred
- Add a light cherry glaze for extra sweetness
- Serve with whipped cream
- Cut cherries evenly for uniform distribution
- Line pan with parchment for easy removal
Nutrition
Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 210mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 1.2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.4mg
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