Cherry Christmas Cake
A rich and moist cherry Christmas cake featuring a blend of almonds, pecans, and sweet cherries, perfect for holiday gatherings. Its tender crumb and festive flavors make it a delightful treat for family and friends during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat butter until softened and light.
- Add sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, and beat after each addition. Stir in almond flavoring.
- Mix flour and salt together.
- Add to butter mixture alternately with milk, about one-third each time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in nuts and cherries.
- Pour batter into a greased tube or Bundt pan.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of softened butter. You can substitute the almond flavoring with vanilla extract if preferred. If cherries are not available, dried cranberries or raisins can work well. Make sure to keep the mixing to a minimum once the flour is added to ensure a light texture. This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Fudge Topping For Ice Cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Christmas Cake with a light dusting of confectioners sugar on top. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. This festive cake is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be enjoyed alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, consider serving it with a slice of Butterscotch Pudding Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold as a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Christmas Cake contains roughly 456 calories, with 9g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% 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 fresh cherries instead of jarred ones?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but make sure to pit and chop them before adding to the batter. You may need to reduce the overall moisture slightly, as fresh cherries contain more water than jarred ones.
What can I substitute for pecans or walnuts?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can omit the nuts entirely or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens.
How do I make the cake more festive?
You can enhance the festive appeal by adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top. Additionally, decorating with candied cherries or edible gold dust can give it a more celebratory look.
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).