Divide your eggs into yolks and egg whites. Beat the egg whites until firm peaks form and set aside.
Beat sugar and butter together for 3-4 minutes then add the yolks, one at a time and beat well after each addition. Add the vanilla and lemon peel.
Mix flour with baking powder and salt then add it to the butter and egg mixture and mix for another 30 seconds until well combined. Carefully fold in the egg whites.
Prepare your 9x13 baking dish by spraying it with cooking spray then pour in the batter. Arrange the cherries on the top and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Let it come to room temperature before sprinkling it with powder sugar and slicing.
Notes
My boys love a glass of milk with this treat!Also, if your baking dish is smaller the formula for this cake is to just weigh the eggs whole with shell on. Use that same amount of weight in flour, butter and sugar and just adjust the baking length by shortening it for about 5 minutes.