Cameo Cake(From Southern Living)
A moist, rich yellow cake with toasted pecans and subtle vanilla flavor, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence, adaptable with or without white chocolate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cake pans.
- Omit white chocolate for a moist yellow cake.
- Combine butter and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add chopped white chocolate (if using), stirring until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking soda.
- Add buttermilk, beaten eggs, vanilla, and the chocolate mixture (or just the butter and water if omitting chocolate).
- Mix until well combined.
- Fold in toasted chopped pecans.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared pans.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for a few minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and serve as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality white chocolate when incorporating it into the batter. If you prefer a more traditional yellow cake, simply omit the white chocolate entirely. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Ensure your butter is softened for easier mixing, and sift the flour to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This Cameo Cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad or even Asparagus With Pimentos for a balanced dessert experience. It makes a fantastic centerpiece for special occasions or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cameo Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven just until heated through, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cameo Cake(From Southern Living) contains roughly 508 calories, with 8g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (16% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 571mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
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 Cameo Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can frost the cake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This will give you a similar tangy flavor and acidity that helps the cake rise.
How do I ensure my cake is moist?
To keep the Cameo Cake moist, avoid overmixing the batter once you add the wet ingredients, as this can lead to a dense texture. Additionally, make sure not to overbake the cake; check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time to ensure it stays tender and moist.
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).