Fat Man Cakes
Rich and nutty squares with a caramel-like sweetness, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and crunchy pecans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the light brown sugar and margarine together until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the self-rising flour, vanilla, granulated sugar, and pecans until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until the center dough plops when tested.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Cut into squares while hot and roll each in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of regular margarine. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired, or even add chocolate chips for an extra treat. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour; this will help keep the cakes tender. If you want a more caramelized crust, try baking them a few minutes longer.
Serving Suggestions
These cakes are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of ice cream on the side for a delectable dessert. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve them at gatherings alongside other treats like Monkey Face Cookies or Oatmeal Cake With Icing. Dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Fat Man Cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat Man Cakes contains roughly 321 calories, with 4g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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 all-purpose flour instead of self-rising flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you'll need to add baking powder to achieve the same rise. For every cup of all-purpose flour, add 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt to mimic the effects of self-rising flour.
Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day in advance. Just allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld, making the cakes even more delicious when served the next day.
What can I do if the batter is too thick?
If your batter is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This can help ensure that the cakes bake evenly without becoming dry.
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).