Granny'S Christmas Cake
A moist, flavorful Christmas cake loaded with cherries, apples, nuts, and spices, perfect for festive celebrations and special occasions with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder) in a bowl.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and sugar until fluffy.
- Add the well-beaten eggs to the creamed mixture and beat thoroughly.
- Combine grated apples, chopped maraschino cherries, and cherry juice in a separate bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients and the apple-cherry mixture alternately, in small amounts, to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in chopped walnuts, raisins, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into a large greased tube pan or two loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist cake, ensure your grated apples are well-drained to avoid excess moisture. You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version. If maraschino cherries aren’t available, dried cherries can be a flavorful alternative. For a festive touch, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve with a side of spiced cider or coffee. Consider presenting it alongside Aunt Jean's Apple Nut Coffee Cake for a delicious dessert spread during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Christmas Cake contains roughly 320 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of calcium (13% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 621mg per serving (27% 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 a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor. This will also add moisture to the cake. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the cake's texture, making it denser, but it will still be delicious.
What can I use if I don't have maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries are unavailable, you can use dried cherries or chopped fresh cherries for a different flavor profile. For a more tart option, consider using cranberry pieces or swapping in candied ginger for a unique twist.
How do I ensure my cake doesn't stick to the pan?
To prevent sticking, thoroughly grease your tube pan or loaf pans with butter or cooking spray, and consider dusting with flour. Alternatively, you can line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release. Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before inverting.
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).