Party Jewel Cake
A colorful and festive cake featuring layers of moist cake topped with a sweet coconut, cherry, and nut filling, perfect for celebrations and special gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the cake mix according to the directions on the package in two or three 9-inch round cake pans.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Mix well-beaten egg, sugar, PET milk, vanilla, salt, and butter in a 2-quart saucepan.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Do not let the mixture boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in coconut, chopped nuts, and cherries.
- Cool the cherry mixture.
- Spread the cherry mixture between the cake layers and on top.
- Decorate with additional nuts and cherries.
- Chill the cake for 6 to 8 hours to let the flavors blend.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened coconut and a high-quality vanilla extract. If you don’t have PET milk, you can substitute with evaporated milk diluted with an equal amount of water. You can also swap out the candied cherries for dried cranberries or apricots if you prefer a different fruit. Make sure to beat the egg well to ensure a smooth mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It’s perfect for celebrations or as a sweet treat alongside your afternoon tea. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it with a light fruit salad or a tart berry compote.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Party Jewel Cake contains roughly 343 calories, with 4g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just prepare and assemble it, then chill it in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. This also helps the cake to slice more easily when serving.
What can I use instead of candied cherries?
If you prefer not to use candied cherries, you can substitute them with diced fresh cherries, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for an unexpected twist. Each option will give the cake a unique flavor profile.
How do I ensure my cake layers are even?
To achieve even layers, use a kitchen scale to measure the batter for each pan, or fill each pan equally with the same amount of batter. Additionally, leveling the tops of the cakes with a serrated knife after they cool can help create a more polished 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).