Graham Cracker Preserves Cake
A rich, layered cake featuring graham crackers, nuts, dried fruits, and preserves, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors perfect for special occasions or teatime treats.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. graham crackers, crushed
- 1 small can crushed pineapple ⓘ
- 1 cup nuts, chopped ⓘ
- 6 eggs
- 1 stick butter or margarine ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tsp. baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 box raisins ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dates, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup watermelon rind preserves or candied citron ⓘ
- 1/2 cup pear or peach preserves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the sugar and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
- Crush the graham crackers and mix them with milk until well combined.
- Separate the eggs into yolks and whites.
- Add the egg yolks to the mixture, then fold in the chopped nuts, raisins, chopped dates, crushed pineapple, and preserves.
- Stir in the baking powder.
- Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter.
- Pour the mixture into a greased tube pan or 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Bake in a moderate to slow oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. If you're looking for a nut-free version, you can replace the chopped nuts with additional crushed graham crackers. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before slicing for the best presentation and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. Consider serving it alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a complete dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Graham Cracker Preserves Cake contains roughly 975 calories, with 9g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 864mg per serving (38% 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 this cake be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It can even taste better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
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).