Grandma'S Syrup Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Syrup Cake features a moist texture with warm spices and rich sorghum syrup flavor, perfect for comforting desserts or family gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup sorghum syrup
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup flour

Instructions

  1. Mix together egg, shortening, milk, and syrup in a bowl.
  2. Sift dry ingredients (sugar, flour, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, soda, baking powder) together.
  3. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir well.
  4. Pour batter into a greased baking pan.
  5. Bake in a moderate oven for 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients. If you don’t have sorghum syrup, molasses can be used as a substitute, though it will impart a stronger flavor. Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing. If you want a lighter cake, use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or a cup of tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside The Real Mashed Potatoes for a comforting dinner experience.

Storage & Reheating

Once cooled, store leftover syrup cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Syrup Cake contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (18% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).

169 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 2.9g 4% DV
Carbs 33.7g 12% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 5.1g 10% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1209.3mg 53% DV
Potassium 175.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 58.7mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 33.1mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 4.4mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 229.4mg 18% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 syrup?

Yes, you can substitute sorghum syrup with light molasses or honey, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile slightly. If using honey, reduce the amount of sugar slightly as honey is sweeter than sorghum syrup.

What can I do if my cake is too dense?

If your cake turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour accurately and mix just until combined. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the cake rise properly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to ensure proper structure. The flavor will still be delightful with the spices and syrup.

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).

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