Mincemeat Holiday Cake
A rich, fruity holiday cake featuring mincemeat, candied fruit, and nuts, perfect for festive gatherings and satisfying lovers of traditional seasonal flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ready-to-use mincemeat ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon rum flavoring ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk ⓘ
- 3 1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- Grated rind of 1 medium orange ⓘ
- 1 cup candied fruit
- 6 ounces maraschino cherries, drained
- Candied cherries ⓘ
Instructions
- Line the bottom of a 9-inch tube cake pan with heavy brown paper.
- Combine mincemeat, chopped walnuts, rum flavoring, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise and buttermilk.
- Stir flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda into the mayonnaise and buttermilk mixture.
- Add grated orange rind, candied fruit, and drained maraschino cherries; mix well.
- Stir in the mincemeat mixture into the batter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter. If you prefer a lighter cake, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. To enhance the fruitiness, you might also include chopped dried apricots or raisins, which complement the mincemeat beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Mincemeat Holiday Cake is delightful when served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday gatherings, alongside treats like Barbara's Macaroon Sugar Cookies for a festive spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mincemeat Holiday Cake contains roughly 1271 calories, with 22g protein, 290g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1118mg per serving (49% 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a few days in advance. In fact, the flavors often deepen after a day or two. Just ensure it's well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and freshness.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of candied fruit?
While fresh fruit can be used, it may alter the texture and moisture level of the cake. If you prefer fresh fruit, try using finely chopped apples or pears, but adjust the buttermilk quantity slightly to ensure the batter remains balanced.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarian diets?
Yes, this Mincemeat Holiday Cake is suitable for vegetarian diets as it does not contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients. Just be sure to check that the mincemeat you use is vegetarian, as some brands may include animal fat.
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).