Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup chopped candied cherries
- ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the holiday cheer
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch cake pan or two 9-inch round pans. - Mix up the magic
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. - Cream it like Christmas morning
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, almond extract, and orange zest. - Bring it all together
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk/sour cream to the butter mixture. Start and end with the dry mix. Stir in the candied cherries and nuts. - Bake it jolly
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. - Cool and deck it out
Let cool completely. Frost with cream cheese frosting or white chocolate ganache, then decorate with sprinkles, mini ornaments (non-edible!), or crushed peppermint. - Slice, serve, and sleigh it!
This cake pairs perfectly with hot cocoa, eggnog, or a cozy blanket by the fire.
Want me to add a frosting recipe or some decoration ideas too?