Dive into layers of fluffy, moist cake kissed with the essence of maraschino cherries 🌸🍒✨
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
1 cup finely chopped maraschino cherries
A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Pink or red food coloring (optional)
For Garnish:
Whole maraschino cherries with stems
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, oil, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in almond extract.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in maraschino cherry juice and chopped cherries. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring to reach the pink color.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl often.
Add maraschino cherry juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat in until well combined. If you want a pink color, add a bit of food coloring.
Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread frosting over the first layer, then top with the second layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
Garnish the top of the cake with whole maraschino cherries just before serving.
Serve the cake at room temperature for best flavor and texture. Enjoy your homemade Cherry Maraschino Cake!
