Walnut Holiday Cake
A rich, moist holiday cake featuring cream cheese, walnuts, maraschino cherries, and vanilla, perfect for brunch or festive gatherings with a delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together the cream cheese, butter, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually stir the flour mixture into the creamed mixture.
- Separately, mix the drained maraschino cherries and walnuts.
- Fold the cherries and walnuts into the batter.
- Pour the batter into a tube pan and bake for 1 hour at 350°F.
- Allow to cool before serving. Great for brunch occasions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter. If you want a festive touch, add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. To avoid overmixing, gently fold in the cherries and walnuts to maintain their texture. This cake also pairs beautifully with Best Fluffy Pancakes for a delightful brunch spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Walnut Holiday Cake dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with a light glaze for an elegant touch. It’s perfect for brunch alongside fresh fruit or a warm beverage. Consider pairing it with a side of Broccoli With Sour Cream for a balanced meal. This cake also makes a lovely dessert for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best results, allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping. If you prefer a warm slice, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to preserve its moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Holiday Cake contains roughly 1234 calories, with 14g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 82g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 717mg per serving (31% 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 nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred. Just ensure they are chopped similarly to maintain the texture in the cake. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor.
What should I do if I don't have maraschino cherries?
If maraschino cherries are unavailable, you can use chopped candied cherries or even dried cranberries for a different flavor. Just ensure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Can this cake be frozen for later use?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This makes it a great option for holiday baking ahead of time.
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).