Holiday Gift Cake Recipe

12/03/2014 · Kelly Rowe · 60 Comments

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It’s day three in the Christmas Spectacular series and have I got a treat for you!! Today I’m not only sharing a Holiday Gift Cake Recipe, but I’m also sharing a favorite Christmastradition! My sweet friend Rachel coordinated this Christmas Traditions Blog Tourand I thought it was a fantastic way to share something yummy and some fond memories! If you’re stopping by from What Meegan Makes, WELCOME!! I’m tickled silly you’re here. Now let’s take a look at what I’m sharing today…

Holiday Gift Cakes made in Soup Cans!

Doesn’t that look delicious!! Frosting drizzled over the cake with chopped pecans aaaand a cherry on top! What makes this cake so special? Well, I remember my mom making these when I was too little to help — then I remember helping her make them each Christmas — and nowI enjoy making them for holiday gifts! These holiday cakes have been a tradition in the making for years and we always make them in soup cans! I think that makes them a little more unique than your standard loaf. Don’t you agree?

We not only made these cakes for gifts, but we always kept a couple for us to indulge in as well. On Christmas morning, we always enjoyed a slice or two (amongst other cookies) while opening presents! I guess you could say it was a breakfast appetizer since we always ate breakfast between opening gifts and diving into our stockings. Since I don’t have children, some traditions aren’t quite the same, but they were fond traditions and memories of my childhood. And it’s a delicious memory at best! (Love you, Mom!)

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4.34 from 6 votes

A delicious holiday treat that will have your family and friends asking for more! The perfect holiday or hostess gift too.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time45 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Author: Kelly Rowe

Ingredients

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1 pkg. 8 oz Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup 2 sticks butter or margarine, softened
1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
1-1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 eggs
2-1/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
3/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries well drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1-1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. milk
3-4 maraschino cherries halved

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325F.
Grease approximately four to six 14-16 oz (empty, clean and dry) soup cans. Place 1/2 tbsp to 1 tbsp of flour in each can and throughly coat the inside. Set aside.
Beat cream cheese, butter, granulated sugar and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition; set aside.
Sift 2 cups of the flour with the baking powder. Gradually add to cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition.
Toss remaining 1/4 cup flour with the cherries and 1/2 cup chopped pecans; gently stir into batter.
Pour into prepared cans. Fill each can 1/2 to 3/4 full. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until wooden toothpick inserted in center(s) comes out clean.
Cool 5-10 minutes. Loosen cakes from side of can with spatula or knife; gently remove cakes from cans. Cool completely on wire rack.
Mix powdered sugar and milk and drizzle over each cake. Sprinkle 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans over cakes and top with 1/2 of maraschino cherry.

Loved this recipe?Mention @livelaughrowe or tag #livelaughrowe!

So, tell me, what is one of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Be sure to swing by Primitive and Proper to see what Cassie is sharing!

And find other great traditions here: Christmas Traditions Blog Tour

Here’s to spreading a little extra merry!
Don’t forget to see what the other ladies are up
to in the Christmas Spectacular series too!

Candy Cane Brownie Bark @Shabby Creek Cottage
Vintage Style Snow Globe @My Fabuless Life
DIY Brushstroke Ornaments @ Desert Domicile
Elf Hat Tree Topper @ Rain on a Tin Roof

Care to stay in the loop? I’dloveto have you!
Catch me snapping + sharing pictures over onInstagram.
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https://betweennapsontheporch.net

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ABOUT KELLY

A DIY fanatic, Kelly shares her journey through her blog, Live Laugh Rowe, where she showcases her recipes, tutorials, crafts, home projects, and all things DIY. This East Coast Girl at heart believes family is number one as she finds the perfect balance of being a daughter, wife, sister, entrepreneur, writer and woman of God. Be sure to follow along as she shares her passion for life, love and family! Read more...

Reader Interactions

Comments

michelle@decorandthedog says
12/03/2014 at 6:40 am

These look delicious….and pretty! I’m not sure why I didn’t think of a recipe as a tradition. *forehead slap*
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:41 pm
  
  You are too funny Michelle! I hope you’ll give these a try…you will LOVE them! Have a great weekend. 🙂 xo.
cassie says
12/03/2014 at 7:48 am

that looks beautiful and delicious! a winning combo!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:41 pm
  
  Thanks Cassie! Appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your evening. xo.
Lida says
12/03/2014 at 8:29 am

These are so pretty. How do you cut them to serve? Thanks.
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/03/2014 at 1:25 pm
  
  Hi Lida! Thanks so much. We lay the cake on it’s side and cut into slices. So, they’ll be round slices 🙂 Depending on how thick you cut them, will determine how many servings you’ll get. Cheers!
- Linda says
  12/03/2014 at 1:37 pm
  
  I’d want the top for myself with all that yummy icing! Thanks, I’m gonna try it.
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:49 pm
  
  The icing is yummy. I know that you will love these! Enjoy. HUGS!
Chrissy says
12/03/2014 at 9:46 am

I have to agree with Cassie, it really looks beautiful and delicious!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:44 pm
  
  Appreciate it Chrissy! Appreciate you stopping by. Have a great weekend. xo.
Kylie Rose says
12/03/2014 at 9:56 am

Oh.my.goodness. KELLY! This looks delicious! What an awesome, fun gift for your friends & neighbors.
xo,
Kylie
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:45 pm
  
  Thanks Kylie! They are all kinds of great! Hope you’ll give the recipe a try. 🙂 HUGS.
Rachel says
12/03/2014 at 10:25 am

Those look so good! These would be perfect gifts for friends and neighbors. Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:45 pm
  
  Thanks Rachel. They make WONDERFUL gifts for just about anyone. Hope you’ll give them a try. xo.
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
12/03/2014 at 11:35 am

What a wonderful memory! The cake looks so delicious but I can’t get over how amazing your photography is! Wow!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:49 pm
  
  You are too kind Caitlin. I appreciate your kind words. 🙂 Have a great weekend. xo.
Leslie @ House on the Way says
12/03/2014 at 8:56 pm

Yum! Looks delicious and so pretty too!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:50 pm
  See Also
  Ina Garten's Go-To Dinner Recipes
  
  Thanks Leslie! You so sweet. 🙂 Hope you’ll give them a try. Have a great weekend. xo.
Julie @White Lights on Wednesday says
12/04/2014 at 11:55 am

These are so cute Kelly! They look all fancy, but sound so simple to make. Love ’em. And we’re getting our tree next week. I can’t wait to put your ornaments on it!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:51 pm
  
  Thanks Julie! You need to make them…you will love them. Enjoy putting the ornaments on your tree. This time of year is wonderful! HUGS.
Chaney says
12/04/2014 at 3:40 pm

YUM! These look delicious and I love how out of the box they look coming out of soup cans! I’m definitely going to have to try these :).
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:52 pm
  
  Thanks Chaney! I’ve always loved making these in cans over a bread pan…it gives it that “old fashioned” feel. You’ll love them! Enjoy. xo.
Sarah says
12/04/2014 at 3:48 pm

Kelly,
I love that you remember watching your mom make them, helping her and now enjoy making them yourself. That is exactly what a special Christmas tradition should be all about. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
~Sarah
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:53 pm
  
  I couldn’t agree more Sarah! It’s definitely a wonderful Christmas tradition full of memories. 🙂 Have a great weekend. HUGS.
Christine @ A Sprinkle of This and That says
12/04/2014 at 4:17 pm

I looooove this idea! What a fun presentation for a cake!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:54 pm
  
  Thanks Christine! Appreciate it. Hope you’ll give the recipe a try. You will love them! 🙂 xo.
Aniko@PlaceOfMyTaste says
12/04/2014 at 9:45 pm

I am so doing this!!! Looks darn good!!♥ Thanks for sharing.
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/04/2014 at 9:48 pm
  
  Thanks. 🙂 Have fun making them. You will love them! xo.
Andrea @ life love larson says
12/05/2014 at 8:50 am

It looks too pretty to eat! Gorgeous and looks deliicious!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:06 pm
  
  Thanks Andrea. Hope you’ll give them a try! Have a great weekend. xo.
Shelly says
12/06/2014 at 12:48 am

Ohhh cake looking so much good and delicious. I definitely try it in this weekend. Thanks For sharing.
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:07 pm
  
  Thanks Shelly! Appreciate you stopping by. Have a great weekend. HUGS.
Carrie says
12/06/2014 at 7:07 am

Yum! This looks delicious! And why haven’t I ever thought to eat breakfast appetizers – I’ll have to get on that!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:08 pm
  
  Thanks so much Carrie! I know…breakfast appetizers are a wonderful thing. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your evening. xo.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
12/06/2014 at 2:28 pm

Definitely a perfect holiday gift. I would LOVE to receive one of these delicious cakes!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:09 pm
  
  Thanks Thalia! Appreciate you stopping by. 🙂 Enjoy your weekend. xo.
FABBY says
12/08/2014 at 9:18 am

Thank you for sharing this beautiful cakes Kelly! I would love to know what size tin or tins you used for it!
Thank you for sharing and have a happy holiday season.
FABBY
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:23 pm
  
  Thanks so much! I appreciate it…and the Pin. 🙂 I used the regular sized soup cans (10 3/4 oz) and just a small bread pan. Happy holidays! xo.
FABBY says
12/08/2014 at 9:20 am

I just pinned too!
FABBY
Reply
Katie @ Upcycled Treasures says
12/08/2014 at 10:30 am

Kelly, these look absolutely AMAZING! Oh my goodness they look straight out of a magazine and I love that you started making them with your mom when you were a little girl. It looks like this is such a fun tradition filled with beautiful memories, and I also love that you give them away in soup cans, how creative! Thanks for sharing and happy holidays!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:24 pm
  
  You are too kind Katie! 🙂 Thank you. I appreciate it. Hope you’ll give them a try. You will love them! HUGS!
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
12/10/2014 at 11:36 am

My aunt made something super similar every year at Christmas! It wasn’t a holiday without eating one of these! Such a fun tour…loving everyone’s traditions!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/12/2014 at 9:25 pm
  
  Thanks so much Kristi! I appreciate it. Traditions are a wonderful thing. Have a great weekend. HUGS.
Brie says
12/13/2014 at 1:33 pm

Well these look and I bet taste divine! Wowza! What I fantastic idea!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/17/2014 at 8:16 pm
  
  Thanks so much Brie! Appreciate it. 🙂 xo.
Tammi says
12/14/2014 at 11:59 pm

I have never heard of baking in a tin can. I love how rustic chic and practical it is. Your cakes are beautiful! I plan to make these this week.
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/17/2014 at 8:17 pm
  
  Thanks so much Tammi! Appreciate it. These bake wonderful in the tin cans and are the perfect size too! 🙂 Happy Holidays. HUGS.
Rachel @{i love} my disorganized life says
12/16/2014 at 10:51 am

Baking in cans is so much fun! And OM GOSH- these cakes look irresistible! Featuring at this week’s Wednesday Whatsits!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/17/2014 at 8:18 pm
  
  Thanks so much Rachel! I appreciate it. Happy Holidays. xo.
Krissy Allori {self proclaimed foodie} says
12/16/2014 at 11:39 am

Hi! I’m featuring this post as one of my favorites on our Wednesday Whatsit Link Party this week. It will go live tonight at 8pm PST. Thanks for submitting such great content. Keep it coming!!! Krissy
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  12/17/2014 at 8:18 pm
  
  Thanks so much Krissy! I really appreciate it. 🙂 Happy Holidays. xo.
Bonny Piantino says
01/01/2016 at 2:28 pm

I made this cake in individual ceramic baking dishes for my family gift exchange. I followed the cake recipe as is, but instead of the glaze I used traditional frosting because I made gelatin snow globes for the top. The cake was wonderful, even better the next day after the flavors had a chance to meld. Next time I will try the glaze. Thanks for the recipe!!
Reply
- Kelly Rowe says
  01/02/2016 at 5:40 pm
  
  Hi Bonny!! Thanks so much for sharing what you did. I agree (and we say it every year), the cake is even better the next day. Happy New Year. Hugs!
Michelle says
12/21/2018 at 8:28 pm

My mother has this same recipe. We use to make this each year for Christmas. The original recipe was published a while back in the TV Guide. My mother still has the original page, now yellowed and starting to fade, held together with tape. I wanted to make this as a gift to her this year and was unable to read some of it. I’m so glad I came across this. You have saved me. We make ours in a fluted pan. Thank You!
Reply
- Conni says
  09/11/2020 at 9:57 am
  
  This just brought tears to my eyes. My mother used to make these every year for my teachers for Christmas because money was so tight and this was all she could afford to do. I too have the yellow copy from the TV guide and can’t read all of it. Just came across this and it brightened my day. Thank you. Xoxo

Holiday Gift Cake Recipe - Live Laugh Rowe (2024)

FAQs

How do you wrap a fruit cake as a gift? ›

After cooling, wrap your fruitcakes in some natural parchment paper. Place them back in the mini loaf pans and tie some jute twine around each. When finished twining, don't forget to add some fresh pine and berries for the ultimate holiday freshness.

Know More ›

How do you store pound cake? ›

Storing Pound Cake:

We recommend storing pound cake unsliced in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If stored in the refrigerator, the pound cake will dry out more quickly. You can slice leftover pound cake and freeze the slices in sealed freezer-safe bags for up to three months.

Get More Info Here ›

How do you pack a cake for a gift? ›

One thing that has worked well for me is using a sturdy cake carrier with a secure lock to keep the cake in place. I also like to place a towel in the bottom of the carrier to prevent the cake from sliding around.

Why did my pound cake turn brown inside? ›

Either you filled the cake pan too much and didn't bake the cake long enough. Or your oven needs a new heating element.

How do you wrap a Christmas cake? ›

Wrap the cake in greaseproof paper or baking parchment then wrap it in kitchen foil. Store cake in a second layer of foil or in an airtight tin. You can repeat the feeding process every couple of weeks for three or four feeds. However, if the cake makes the work surface damp, appears wet or stodgy, discontinue feeding.

Holiday Gift Cake Recipe - Live Laugh Rowe (2024)

Holiday Gift Cakes made in Soup Cans!