Five Flavors Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A delightful five-flavor cake featuring a blend of coconut, butter, vanilla, rum, and eggs, perfect for celebrations and those who enjoy complex, layered flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1 teaspoon butter extract
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 teaspoon rum extract

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and shortening together until smooth.
  2. Gradually add sugar and beaten eggs, beating well after each addition.
  3. Alternately add flour and milk to the mixture, ending with flour; add coconut, butter, and rum extracts in the milk.
  4. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch round tube pan.
  5. Bake at 275°F for 25 minutes.
  6. Raise oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 minutes.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan.
  8. Remove from pan and punch holes in the cake with a toothpick.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. If you don't have butter extract, you can substitute with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract. When creaming butter and shortening, beat until light and fluffy for a more airy cake. This cake can also be made into cupcakes, adjusting the baking time accordingly.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful as a standalone dessert, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. If you're looking for a complementary dish, consider making Herbed Cheese Bread as a savory side to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Five Flavors Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh taste, or enjoy it cold. For an added treat, serve with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Five Flavors Cake contains roughly 1046 calories, with 10g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 507mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

1046 kcal 52% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.3g 21% DV
Total Fat 3.2g 4% DV
Carbs 100.8g 37% DV
Fiber 9.6g 34% DV
Sugar 8.1g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 507.2mg 22% DV
Potassium 613.1mg 13% DV
Cholesterol 5.1mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2mcg
Vitamin C 65.4mg 73% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 329mg 25% DV
Iron 4.7mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 extract?

Yes, you can experiment with different extracts like almond or orange to give the cake a unique flavor. Just ensure that the total amount of extracts remains around three teaspoons to maintain the balance of flavors. However, using coconut, butter, and rum extracts is recommended for the classic Five Flavors Cake taste.

What should I do if my cake is too dense?

If your cake turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter after adding flour or using too much flour. Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, avoid overmixing once the flour is added to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! To freeze the Five Flavors Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

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 →