Aunt Grace'S Hickory Nut Cake
A rich, nutty cake featuring hickory nuts and a moist crumb, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat for nut lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add sweet milk, flour, baking powder, chopped hickory nuts, and vanilla; mix well.
- Gently fold in the lightly beaten egg whites.
- Divide batter evenly into three 9-inch layer pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Aunt Grace's Hickory Nut Cake, consider toasting the hickory nuts lightly before adding them to the batter. This will intensify their nutty flavor. If you don't have hickory nuts, walnuts or pecans can be used as substitutes. Make sure to sift your flour before measuring to ensure a light cake texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Grace's Hickory Nut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with Asheville Salad for a light, refreshing meal. A cup of coffee or tea makes for a comforting beverage alongside this cake, perfect for afternoon gatherings or dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice individual pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Grace'S Hickory Nut Cake contains roughly 382 calories, with 4g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 17g fat.
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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute hickory nuts with walnuts or pecans if preferred. Each nut variety will impart a unique flavor to the cake, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your cake turns out dry, it may be due to overbaking. To prevent this, check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recommended time. If it's already baked, consider serving with a syrup or glaze to add moisture.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make Aunt Grace's Hickory Nut Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper texture and structure in the cake.
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).