This delightful Maraschino Cherry Cake is a vintage gem from 1952. Moist, airy, and flecked with sweet maraschino cherries and crunchy black walnut pieces, it’s a dessert that’s both nostalgic and festive. Its distinctive pink hue and fruity flavor make it a standout for holiday celebrations, afternoon tea, or family gatherings. Originally handwritten and passed through kitchen drawers for decades, this cake brings together the charm of old-school baking with enduring flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup shortening
- 1¼ cups sugar
- 2½ cups flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup black walnut meats
- 16 maraschino cherries (chopped)
- ¼ cup cherry juice (from maraschino cherries)
- ½ cup milk
- 4 egg whites
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Batter
- Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk and cherry juice.
Step 4: Add Mix-Ins
- Blend in chopped black walnuts and maraschino cherries.
Step 5: Whip Egg Whites
- Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
Step 6: Fold In Egg Whites
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
Step 7: Bake
- Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Tips
- Substitute half the shortening with butter for richer flavor.
- Add 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract for extra aroma.
- Fold in chocolate chips for a cherry-chocolate variation.
- Replace nuts with chocolate chunks for a nut-free version.
- Use cake flour for a softer, lighter crumb.
- Drizzle with a simple cherry-juice glaze for extra moisture.
- Bake in mini loaf pans and reduce bake time to 30 to 35 minutes.
- Swap maraschino cherries for dried cherries soaked in warm water.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor note.
- Top with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting to serve as a dessert cake.
Nutrition
Calories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 230mgPotassium: 105mgFiber: 1gSugar: 36gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.7mg