Newfoundland Cherry Cake (Holiday)

A festive, buttery, and beautifully soft cake filled with sweet cherries — a classic holiday treat that’s nostalgic, colorful, and incredibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft, buttery, tender crumb
• Packed with bright, sweet cherries
• Perfect for Christmas, holidays, or gifting
• Stays moist for days
• Easy to make and always a crowd-favorite

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 1 ½ cups candied cherries, halved
• 2 tbsp flour (for tossing cherries to prevent sinking)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries

• Rinse and dry candied cherries if sticky.
• Cut them in half and toss with 2 tbsp flour to keep them distributed evenly in the cake.

2. Mix the Batter

• In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy and pale.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
• Add vanilla and almond extract.
• In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add dry ingredients to the batter in two parts, alternating with milk, until smooth.

3. Fold in the Cherries

• Gently fold the floured cherries into the batter with a spatula.

4. Bake

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Grease and flour a loaf pan or 9-inch cake pan.
• Spread batter evenly into the pan.
• Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
• Cool completely before slicing.

5. Serve

• Slice thick pieces and enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a holiday dessert.

You Must Know

• The low bake temperature keeps the cake moist and prevents over-browning.
• Tossing cherries in flour helps them stay suspended in the batter.
• Almond extract enhances the classic holiday flavor—optional but recommended.

Pro Tips

• Use room-temperature butter and eggs for the softest crumb.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture.
• For a sweeter finish, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze once the cake cools.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Almond extract → extra vanilla
• Candied cherries → maraschino cherries (drained and dried well)
• Milk → half-and-half for richer flavor

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy warm with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee.
• Wrap and gift during holidays — it keeps beautifully.

Storage Tips

• Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerate up to 1 week.
• Freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake this in a bundt pan?
Yes, increase bake time slightly and check with a toothpick.

Can I use mixed candied fruit instead of only cherries?
Absolutely — it turns into a festive fruitcake version.

Why did my cherries sink?
They need to be dried well and coated in flour before folding into the batter.

Print