Dutch Family Cake
Dutch Family Cake is a rich, chocolatey dessert with a moist texture and crunchy pecan topping. Its deep cocoa flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of applesauce, making it a comforting treat suitable for family gatherings and casual get-togethers. Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a nostalgic homemade cake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate and blend it with melted shortening.
- Cool the chocolate mixture, then stir in sugar, well-beaten eggs, applesauce, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir the sifted ingredients into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour into a greased pan and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of bitter chocolate. If you're out of shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. Make sure to sift the flour and dry ingredients well to avoid lumps in the cake batter. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Dutch Family Cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar. 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 salad like Lulu'S Potato Salad Dressing to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Dutch Family Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dutch Family Cake contains roughly 531 calories, with 3g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 517mg per serving (22% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for the pecans if preferred. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped to a similar size to maintain the texture of the cake.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Dutch Family Cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Can I add other flavors to the cake?
Absolutely! You can incorporate spices like nutmeg or even a splash of coffee or espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor. For a fruity twist, consider adding dried fruits or zest from an orange or lemon.
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).