Pecan Christmas Cake
A rich, nutty Christmas cake featuring pecans and golden raisins, with moist texture and warm flavors, perfect for festive gatherings and holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Add vanilla.
- Mix raisins, chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup flour.
- Sift together the remaining dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Alternately fold in raisins, pecan mixture, and dry ingredients into the creamed mixture.
- Spoon into a greased and paper-lined 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- Cool and remove from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the chopped pecans before adding them to the batter. If you prefer a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour. For a touch of spice, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the holiday vibe. Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
Serving Suggestions
This rich cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday dessert platters, complementing other treats like Mom's Cherry Almond Cookies. Garnish with additional toasted pecans for presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Pecan Christmas Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pecan Christmas Cake contains roughly 3377 calories, with 53g protein, 380g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (133% of the Daily Value), protein (107% of the Daily Value), and iron (103% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1185mg per serving (52% 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 other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans if desired. Just keep in mind that each nut will impart a different flavor and texture to the cake, but they will still contribute to the overall festive spirit.
What can I use instead of golden raisins?
If you can’t find golden raisins, regular raisins or dried cranberries are great alternatives. They will provide a different sweetness and tartness, which can add a unique twist to the cake while retaining its holiday charm.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! This cake actually benefits from being made a day or two in advance, as it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain its moisture and freshness.
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).