Description
A festive, buttery, and beautifully soft cake filled with sweet cherries — a classic holiday treat that’s nostalgic, colorful, and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 ½ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tsp baking powder
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½ tsp salt
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1 cup milk
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1 tbsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp almond extract (optional)
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1 ½ cups candied cherries, halved
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2 tbsp flour (for tossing cherries to prevent sinking)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cherries
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Rinse and dry candied cherries if sticky.
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Cut them in half and toss with 2 tbsp flour to keep them distributed evenly in the cake.
2. Mix the Batter
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In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy and pale.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
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Add vanilla and almond extract.
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In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Add dry ingredients to the batter in two parts, alternating with milk, until smooth.
3. Fold in the Cherries
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Gently fold the floured cherries into the batter with a spatula.
4. Bake
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
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Grease and flour a loaf pan or 9-inch cake pan.
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Spread batter evenly into the pan.
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Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool completely before slicing.
5. Serve
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Slice thick pieces and enjoy with tea, coffee, or as a holiday dessert.
Notes
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The low bake temperature keeps the cake moist and prevents over-browning.
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Tossing cherries in flour helps them stay suspended in the batter.
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Almond extract enhances the classic holiday flavor—optional but recommended.