Coventry Cake
Coventry Cake is a moist, spiced cake featuring warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, complemented by pecans. Perfect for cozy gatherings and tea-time treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish.
- In a large bowl with a mixer at medium speed, mix butter, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, and egg yolks until blended.
- Reduce speed to low; beat in flour, buttermilk, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
- Spoon the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange pecan halves on top of the batter.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a simple substitute by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. Ensure to fold the egg whites gently into the batter to maintain the cake's light texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Coventry Cake as a delightful afternoon treat or dessert, pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also goes wonderfully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside **Butterscotch Mallow Cake** for a sweet spread that will impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Coventry 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, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until warmed through, to keep the texture moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Coventry Cake contains roughly 1637 calories, with 6g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 168g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 10g 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 use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! If you're not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Just chop them up a bit and sprinkle them on top before baking. Each nut will impart its unique flavor, adding a nice twist to the classic Coventry Cake.
What can I do if I don't have baking powder?
If you're out of baking powder, you can create a substitute by mixing together 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder needed. This will help your cake rise as effectively as the original recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of Coventry Cake by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to select a blend that works well for baking, and you may want to add a bit of xanthan gum for better texture.
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).