Green Bean Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Green Bean Cake offers a unique blend of tender green beans and sweet cake, perfect for those seeking a comforting dessert with a subtle vegetable twist.

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Ingredients

  • 1 can green beans
  • 1 white cake mix
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cups water

Instructions

  1. Drain the green beans and dissolve the sugar into 2 cups of water.
  2. Slice the green beans into small pieces and lay them in the bottom of the pan.
  3. Pour the prepared green beans and sugar water over the sliced beans in the pan.
  4. Prepare the cake batter according to the package directions.
  5. Pour the cake batter over the green beans in the pan.
  6. Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the cake is cooked through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter cake, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter. If you don't have a white cake mix, a yellow cake mix can be a good substitute. Make sure to slice the green beans into uniform pieces for even cooking. If using fresh green beans, blanch them first to soften before adding to the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This unique green bean cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. It makes an interesting dessert for gatherings where you might also serve American recipes or similar cakes like Pineapple Cherry Crumbcake.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Green Bean Cake contains roughly 52 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value).

52 kcal 3% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 10.6g 4% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 1.2g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 34.1mg 1% DV
Potassium 90.4mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 291.5mcg 32% DV
Vitamin C 3.4mg 4% DV
Calcium 19.4mg 1% DV
Iron 0.5mg 3% DV
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 fresh green beans instead of canned?

Yes, fresh green beans can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to wash and trim them, then blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before slicing and adding them to the cake to ensure they cook properly.

What can I substitute for white cake mix?

If you don't have white cake mix on hand, you can substitute it with a yellow cake mix or even a homemade cake batter made with flour, sugar, baking powder, and eggs, ensuring the ratios match the mix's requirements.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. The edges should also start to pull away from the pan slightly.

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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