24-Karat Cake Or Cupcakes
24-Karat Cake or Cupcakes features a rich, creamy icing infused with vanilla, pecans, and optional coconut, offering a delightful combination of sweetness and nutty flavor. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, this versatile recipe can be used as a layered cake or elegant cupcakes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- To make icing, beat butter or margarine with cream cheese in a bowl of an electric mixer until very light and fluffy.
- Beat in powdered sugar, followed by vanilla, pecans, and optional coconut.
- To frost the cake, spread a generous amount of filling between and over the top of the layers, leaving the sides of the cake unfrosted.
- Or use the icing to generously frost the top of the cupcakes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter frosting, consider reducing the cream cheese to 6 oz. and adding a little more butter. If you want to replace pecans, walnuts work well, or you could omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the powdered sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the 24-Karat Cake on a beautiful platter, garnished with additional pecans or coconut on top for an elegant touch. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive occasion, consider serving it alongside a fruitcake for a delightful dessert spread or as part of a dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze the cake or cupcakes, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and enjoy the frosting at room temperature for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 24-Karat Cake Or Cupcakes contains roughly 1899 calories, with 13g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 161g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the frosting a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, and then re-whip it to restore its lightness and fluffiness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain flour. However, ensure that any additional ingredients, such as the powdered sugar, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. This makes it a perfect option for gluten-free dessert lovers.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Both will provide a similar creaminess, but note that the flavor will slightly differ. Adjust sweetness accordingly if using unsweetened yogurt.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).