Newfoundland Cherry Cake is a beloved holiday treat with rich, buttery flavors and bursts of sweet glace cherries. This traditional cake has a dense, moist texture, perfect for festive gatherings. The secret to its decadence lies in undiluted evaporated milk, which enhances the cake’s creamy richness. Whether served as a Christmas dessert or enjoyed with afternoon tea, this cake is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cake

• Rich & Buttery Texture – Made with real butter for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Perfectly Moist – Evaporated milk keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Festive & Colorful – Vibrant glace cherries make it a show-stopper at any celebration.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward method for a foolproof bake.

🔪 How To Make

1. Preparing the Cherries

1. Rinse the glace cherries in a colander to remove any syrup or excess stickiness.
2. Pat them dry using paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
3. Chop the cherries into halves or quarters for even distribution.
4. Just before adding to the batter, toss cherries with ¼ cup flour to keep them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

2. Making the Cake Batter

1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
3. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts for a warm, aromatic flavor.

3. Combining Dry Ingredients & Liquids

1. In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder to remove lumps.
2. Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with evaporated milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
3. Fold gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.

4. Adding the Cherries

1. Toss cherries in flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
2. Avoid overmixing to keep the cherries evenly distributed.

5. Baking the Cake

1. Prepare your pans – Grease and flour a springform pan, tube pan, or two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C) and pour batter evenly into the pans.
3. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour (depending on pan size). Use a toothpick test—when inserted in the center, it should come out clean.
4. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍽️ Storage & Freezing Tips

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

🔄 Recipe Variations

• Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Citrus Zest: Enhance the flavor with grated orange or lemon zest.
• Spiced Version: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.

❓ FAQs

1. Can I Use Fresh Cherries Instead of Glace Cherries?

Glace cherries are preferred for their chewy texture and concentrated sweetness. Fresh cherries contain more moisture, which may affect the cake’s consistency.

2. Why Did My Cherries Sink to the Bottom?

If cherries sink, they were likely too wet. Dry them thoroughly and toss in flour before folding into the batter.

3. Can I Make This Cake in Advance?

Absolutely! This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors develop. Store it in an airtight container for the best results.

4. What’s the Best Way to Serve This Cake?

Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Traditional Newfoundland Cherry Cake

(Perfect for busy bakers!)

⏳ Prep Time: 30 minutes

⏳ Cook Time: 1 hour

⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

🌟 Ingredients

• 1 pound glace cherries (2 ½ cups, chopped) + ¼ cup flour
• 1 ½ cups butter
• 2 cups sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 cup undiluted evaporated milk, lukewarm

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line your baking pan.
2. Prepare cherries – Rinse, dry, chop, and coat with flour.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
4. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts for rich flavor.
5. Combine flour and baking powder, then alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
6. Fold in cherries and pour batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
9. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

🍎 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 199
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 3g