
Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake

This chef-curated Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Ready in just 30 mins using straightforward, kitchen-tested technique.
- ✓Delivers 26g of muscle-fueling protein per serving for lasting satiety.
- ✓Portion-balanced at 359 calories per serving with wholesome, unrefined ingredients.
- ✓Masterclass temperature checkpoints ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
The Story
This chef-curated Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.
Culinary Heritage & Chef's Notes
In the NutriGuide test kitchen, Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas refined this classic Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake to celebrate vibrant, wholesome ingredients. By prioritizing aromatic layering and precise thermal control, this recipe achieves remarkable culinary depth while preserving natural micronutrients and wholesome texture.
At NutriGuide, our mission is to ensure that home cooking is both accessible and culinary-grade. When executing Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake, focus on fresh aromatics, dry surface contact for proper searing, and allowing the food to rest before serving.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 1/3 cups white sugar
- 3 egg whites
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 (10 ounce) jar maraschino
- cherries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 3/4 cup butter
- 6 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 6 drops red food coloring
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 (4 ounce) jar maraschino
- cherries
Chef's Sourcing & Quality Tips:
- Produce & Aromatics: Always use fresh whole aromatics and seasonal herbs rather than dehydrated powders when possible.
- Cooking Oils: Utilize cold-pressed oils with appropriate smoke points such as extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil.
- Salt & Seasoning: Season from a modest height above the pan to ensure an even, uniform crystalline dispersion.
Step-by-Step Culinary Masterclass
Follow these sequential steps with careful attention to sensory cues and cooking temperatures:
Step 1: Technique & Execution
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)Step 2: Technique & Execution
Grease and lightly flour two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch cake panStep 3: Technique & Execution
Reserve 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juiceStep 4: Technique & Execution
Coarsely chop the cherries to make 1/2 cupStep 5: Technique & Execution
Combine flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl and set asideStep 6: Technique & Execution
Beat shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium high speed for 30 secondsChef's Pro Tips & Variations
Nutritional Profile per Serving
| Metric | Amount | Dietary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 359 kcal | Controlled caloric load for steady metabolic burn |
| Protein | 26g | High-biological-value protein for tissue maintenance |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | Complex, slow-digesting dietary fiber |
| Fat | 13g | Wholesome dietary lipids for micronutrient absorption |
Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake
This chef-curated Maraschino Cherry Nut Cake offers an authentic, wholesome dining experience. Created by Chief Culinary Specialist Stewart Lucas, it balances vibrant flavor with evidence-based nutrition.

Macro Nutrition Profile (Per Serving)
Ingredients
Ingredient Substitutions
| Original Ingredient | Healthy Alternative |
|---|---|
| Animal protein | Firm tofu, tempeh, or organic chickpeas |
| Cooking fat | Extra virgin olive oil or grass-fed butter |
Instructions
Technique & Execution: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Technique & Execution: Grease and lightly flour two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch cake pan
Technique & Execution: Reserve 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
Technique & Execution: Coarsely chop the cherries to make 1/2 cup
Technique & Execution: Combine flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl and set aside
Technique & Execution: Beat shortening in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium high speed for 30 seconds
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it turned out! Click a star below to leave a review and rate the recipe.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the components separate if possible to preserve texture.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet on medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil or butter.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish because ingredients like eggs become soggy, rubbery, or mushy when defrosted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can this recipe be prepared ahead of time?▼
Yes, this meal is excellent for weekly meal prep. Store components separately and assemble before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?▼
All ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. If you are highly sensitive, verify that packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @stewartlucas on Instagram and hashtag it #nutriguide!
You Might Also Like




Stewart Lucas
Chief Culinary SpecialistStewart Lucas is the Chief Culinary Specialist and lead recipe developer representing the NutriGuide team. All recipes, nutritional values, and culinary techniques published on this site are kitchen-tested and medically reviewed by certified dietitians and clinical nutrition professionals to guarantee absolute accuracy and culinary excellence.
Community Reviews
Please log in to leave a review.