Butternut Layer Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist and flavorful layered butternut cake featuring rich butternut flavor, perfect for fall celebrations or special occasions, appealing to those who love comforting desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. Crisco
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 Tbsp. butternut flavoring
  • 2 1/2 c. plain flour
  • 1/2 c. self-rising flour

Instructions

  1. Beat the first four ingredients (Crisco, sugar, eggs, butternut flavoring) for 10 minutes at high speed.
  2. Add flour and milk alternately, beating after each addition until well combined.
  3. Divide batter evenly into three 9-inch pans.
  4. Bake at 350°F until the top springs back to touch, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, consider substituting half the Crisco with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure the butternut flavoring is evenly mixed in to avoid strong pockets of flavor. If you don't have self-rising flour, add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to plain flour. This cake can be frosted with cream cheese frosting for a delightful pairing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Butternut Layer Cake with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with Classic Banana Cream Pie for a dessert spread. For an extra touch, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Fresh fruit on the side adds a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, allow the cake to come to room temperature, then warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy them moist and fresh.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butternut Layer Cake contains roughly 133 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).

133 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 26.7g 10% DV
Fiber 1g 3% DV
Sugar 4.6g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 80.6mg 4% DV
Potassium 166.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 43.6mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.3mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 8.9mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 84mg 6% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of flour for this cake?

Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends instead of plain and self-rising flour to make this cake gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend includes a leavening agent or add baking powder accordingly. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still produce a delicious cake.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! You can bake the layers ahead of time. Once cooled, wrap each layer in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months. Frost and assemble just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What frosting works best with this cake?

A cream cheese frosting complements the flavors of the Butternut Layer Cake beautifully. For a simpler option, a vanilla buttercream or a light whipped cream frosting also pairs well. If you want a twist, try adding a hint of butternut flavoring to the frosting for consistency in taste.

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).

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