Dot'S Civil War Cake
Dot's Civil War Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg with the sweetness of raisins and brown sugar. This moist cake is perfect for gatherings, offering a taste of history and comfort that appeals to both young and old alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine and cook apples, raisins, brown sugar, granulated sugar, shortening, and cold water.
- Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes; cool.
- Add sifted dry ingredients to the apple mixture. Stir and blend only.
- Add nuts.
- Pour into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake for 1 hour at 350°.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you’re short on time, pre-packaged apple pie filling can substitute for fresh apples. For a vegan version, replace shortening with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference; adding a pinch of ginger can enhance the warmth of the cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Dot's Civil War Cake warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with mulled cider for a cozy fall treat. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a refreshing cranberry-apple-orange salad, which can balance the richness of the cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds until warm, or place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This cake can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dot'S Civil War Cake contains roughly 642 calories, with 6g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% 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 use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for nuts, you can use walnuts, pecans, or even almonds based on your preference. Just ensure they are chopped and added to the batter for a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, you can omit them entirely without compromising the cake’s overall flavor.
What should I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be caused by several factors, including overmixing the batter or not baking it long enough. Make sure to fold in the dry ingredients gently and check for doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Dot's Civil War Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to your blend for better structure. This will allow the cake to rise properly while maintaining its delicious flavors.
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).