The Sweet Tradition of Mom’s Holiday Gift Cake

Some Christmas holidays, our kitchen would come alive with the warm, buttery aroma of my mom’s Holiday Gift Cake. It wasn’t just a dessert; it was a symbol of love, tradition, and the true spirit of the season.

Whenever she’d make this cake, it would be the centerpiece of our holiday gatherings near and around the kitchen. Mom always called it her “gift contribution to the family.” The recipe itself is simple, but the magic was in the way she made it—with a pinch of patience and a whole lot of love.

Vernice's Holiday Gift Cake

This Holiday Gift Cake is a festive and flavorful treat made with cream cheese, maraschino cherries, and pecans, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful edible gift, it’s a timeless recipe that brings warmth and joy to any celebration. Easy to make and full of holiday spirit!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 10

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 395 kcal

Equipment

2 large mixing bowls one bowl for wet ingredients; the other for dry ingredients
1 electric mixer
measuring cups and spoons
1 sifter to sift the cake flour and confectioners' sugar.
1 spatula for folding in cherries and pecans and scraping the bowl.
1 bundt pan or loaf pan a 10-inch bundt pan or two standard loaf pans, greased and floured.
1 whisk to mix the glaze
1 knife and cutting board to chop maraschino cherries and pecans.
1 toothpick to check if the cake is done.

Ingredients

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
1 cup margarine, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs, room temperature
2¾ cups sifted cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup well-drained, chopped maraschino cherries (reserve 1-2 tablespoons juice)
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Glaze:

1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1-2 tsp reserved maraschino cherry juice (optional for pink color and flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or a loaf pan. (To grease, rub margarine or cooking spray inside the pan, then sprinkle with a light layer of flour.)
Chop the maraschino cherries and drain them well using a paper towel to remove excess liquid.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Cream the fats and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, margarine, and granulated sugar together until fluffy and light (about 2-3 minutes).
Add vanilla and eggs: Beat in the vanilla extract. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Sift dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sifted cake flour and baking powder. Sift them together again to ensure even mixing.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed. Mix just until combined; avoid overmixing.
Fold in cherries and pecans: Gently fold the chopped maraschino cherries and pecans into the batter with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Check the cake after 60 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners' sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and maraschino cherry juice (if using). Add additional milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a festive look.
Garnish with additional chopped pecans or whole maraschino cherries if desired.

Notes

Serving and Storage

Slice and serve with coffee, tea, or milk.
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keyword Baking, Cakes, Desserts, Holiday

Now it’s your turn to bring a little holiday magic into your home! This Holiday Gift Cake is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a way to share love, tradition, and the joy of giving during the most wonderful time of the year. Whether you’re baking it for your family, gifting it to friends, or simply treating yourself, every slice is sure to bring a smile.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of the season. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your masterpiece and share it—it’s always fun to see how traditions come to life in your own unique way. Happy baking, and may your holidays be as sweet as this cake!