Sweet Story Cake
Sweet Story Cake features a moist vanilla-flavored base with chopped walnuts and maraschino cherries, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and nutty crunch, perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup walnuts, very finely chopped ⓘ
- 4 egg whites ⓘ
- 18 maraschino cherries, well drained and chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shortening ⓘ
- 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
- 2 teaspoons almond extract ⓘ
Instructions
- Sift all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine milk and maraschino cherry juice, then add 3/4 cup of this mixture to the dry ingredients.
- Add vanilla, almond extract, and remaining cherry juice to the mixture.
- Beat the mixture on low speed for 2 minutes, or 200 strokes by hand.
- Add the remaining milk mixture and egg whites, then beat for another 2 minutes.
- Fold in finely chopped walnuts and well-drained chopped maraschino cherries.
- Pour the batter into two greased layer pans.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Frost with cherry frosting or your preferred icing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, beat the egg whites separately until stiff peaks form and fold them in gently at the end. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be used instead. You can also substitute the maraschino cherries with dried cherries or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Ensure to sift the flour to avoid lumps, as with recipes like Sweet Milk Griddle Cakes.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but for an extra indulgence, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with cherry frosting, making it an excellent centerpiece for celebrations. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sweet Story Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Story Cake contains roughly 3414 calories, with 79g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 299g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (157% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value), and iron (102% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1577mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole eggs instead of just egg whites?
Using whole eggs will give your cake a richer flavor and a denser texture. However, if you prefer a lighter cake, sticking with just egg whites is recommended. Experimenting with both methods can yield interesting results, depending on your texture preference.
What can I use if I don't have cherry juice?
If you don't have maraschino cherry juice, you can substitute it with another fruit juice, such as pineapple or apple juice, for a different flavor. Alternatively, you can use a little milk mixed with a splash of vanilla extract to maintain moisture without the cherry flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary. If the edges are browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).