Name: Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained; Optional: ½ tsp almond extract or sliced almonds for topping

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A nostalgic, tender crumb cake bursting with sweet maraschino cherry flavor—moist, buttery, and dotted with bright cherry bits—perfect for afternoon tea, potlucks, or celebrating simpler times.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Retro charm with soft, cherry-studded delight
Simple ingredients with a pop of vibrant cherry color
Moist, buttery texture with bursts of sweetness in every bite
Easy to make and ideal for sharing at gatherings or cozy moments

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chopped maraschino cherries, drained
Optional: ½ tsp almond extract or sliced almonds for topping

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease and flour a 9‑inch round or bundt pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream butter & sugar: In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in sour cream and vanilla (plus almond extract if using).
Combine batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in chopped cherries gently.
Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Bake 30–35 minutes (bundt) or 25–30 minutes (round), until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool: Let cake rest 10 minutes in pan, then invert onto a cooling rack. Cool completely before slicing. Optionally, sprinkle with sliced almonds or dust with powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10–12 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25–35 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour

Variations

Glazed finish: Mix powdered sugar, cherry juice, and a little milk to drizzle a sweet glaze
Cherry amaretto twist: Add 2 Tbsp amaretto or almond liqueur for extra flavor
Chocolate chip version: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips with the cherries
Lemon cherry: Add 1 Tbsp lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the batter
Bundt with streusel: Top with a simple cinnamon-brown sugar streusel before baking

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To store longer, wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and refresh with a few minutes in a 300 °F oven if desired.

Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead?

Yes—use fresh or frozen cherries (pitted and halved), but adjust sugar and moisture; drain thawed cherries well.

Why sour cream in the batter?

It adds moisture and tenderness, ensuring a soft, rich crumb.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—substitute with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend; no further changes needed.

What pan works best?

A bundt pan gives a beautiful shape, while a 9-inch round or loaf pan yields classic slices.

Does almond extract change flavor?

It adds a lovely nutty cherry-enhancing note, but the vanilla-only version is perfectly delicious.

Can I prepare ahead?

Yes—bake, cool, and store at room temperature; optionally garnish before serving.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use two pans or a larger bundt; bake until a toothpick comes out clean throughout.

Is it kid-friendly?

Absolutely—with its sweet, fruity charm, it’s a favorite with all ages.

Can I add nuts?

Yes—fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts or sprinkle on top.

How do I keep it moist?

Store in an airtight container, and for longer storage, wrap well to prevent drying.

Conclusion

This timeless Vintage Maraschino Cherry Cake delivers moist, buttery crumb and sweet cherry bursts—simple, nostalgic, and utterly delightful. Whether you’re sharing at a gathering or enjoying a comforting slice at home, it brings a slice of retro charm and homestyle sweetness to every bite.

Jessica