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–+ servings
Maraschino Cherry Cake
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 395 kcal

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
Keyword bake from scratch, cherry, classic quick bread, classic recipes, heirloom recipe, holiday baking, loaf cake, maraschino cherries, nostalgic food, teatime, vintage baking, walnuts
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