Drumstick Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A rich, creamy layered dessert featuring a crunchy pecan and vanilla wafer crust topped with peanut-flavored cream and served with cold milk. Perfect for peanut lovers and gatherings, this cake combines textures and flavors for a delightful treat suitable for casual or special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecan sandies or vanilla wafers
  • 3/4 cup peanuts
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 10 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 cups cold milk

Instructions

  1. Mix the cookies, 3/4 cup peanuts, and butter together and press into a 10 x 13 or 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
  2. Bake for 10 minutes at 350°F and let cool.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
  4. Spread the cream mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  5. Pour 3 cups of cold milk over the top and refrigerate until set.
  6. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Tips & Substitutions

For a gluten-free alternative, consider using gluten-free cookies instead of pecan sandies or vanilla wafers. You can also experiment with different nut butters, like almond or cashew, if you want a unique flavor. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. If you prefer a sweeter cake, add more powdered sugar to the cream mixture.

Serving Suggestions

This Drumstick Cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a glass of Polly'S Lemonade Pie on the side. Garnish with crushed peanuts or whipped cream for an extra touch.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake can become soggy if left out too long, so it's best served chilled. To maintain its texture, avoid freezing the cake as the milk layer may separate upon thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Drumstick Cake contains roughly 1808 calories, with 47g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 147g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (95% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1879mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

1808 kcal 90% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 47.3g 95% DV
Total Fat 147.5g 100% DV
Carbs 90.3g 33% DV
Fiber 21.5g 77% DV
Sugar 46.9g 94% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1879.3mg 82% DV
Potassium 1044.6mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 219mg 73% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 145.8mcg 16% DV
Vitamin D 1.7mcg 9% DV
Calcium 288.1mg 22% DV
Iron 3.6mg 20% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Peanut Tree nuts

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 for this recipe?

Absolutely! While peanuts are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped finely and mixed well into the crust for the best texture.

How long does the cake need to chill before serving?

It's recommended to chill the Drumstick Cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow it to set properly. This also enhances the flavors and makes it easier to cut into slices.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare the crust and filling the day before and let it chill overnight. Just add the milk layer before serving for optimal freshness.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →