Colonel Cotton Cake
Colonel Cotton Cake is a moist, nutty coconut-flavored cake with vanilla wafers, perfect for celebrations or family gatherings, offering a delightful texture and rich taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and margarine together until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Alternately add crushed vanilla wafers and milk to the mixture.
- Stir in chopped nuts and flaked coconut.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a nuttier taste, try adding pecans or walnuts in place of mixed nuts. Make sure to crush the vanilla wafers finely for a smoother batter. If you want to enhance the tropical flavor, consider adding a splash of pineapple-coconut juice to the mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Colonel Cotton Cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple touch. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a fruit compote. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Colonel Cotton Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for longer freshness, up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Colonel Cotton Cake contains roughly 1903 calories, with 22g protein, 247g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (52% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 888mg per serving (39% 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 this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Colonel Cotton Cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easy for serving at events or gatherings.
What can I substitute for flaked coconut?
If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of additional chopped nuts or even chocolate chips for a different flavor profile. This will still yield a delicious cake.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, the edges should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown. If it needs more time, bake in 5-minute increments until fully cooked.
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).