Hillbilly Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist cake featuring raisins, pecans, and warm spices, with a caramel-like topping. Perfect for gatherings or comforting dessert cravings, offering nostalgic flavors with texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed coconut

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Combine raisins, sugar, butter, water, cinnamon, and allspice in a saucepan.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook for two minutes.
  4. Add 2 cups of flour, baking soda, and chopped pecans to the saucepan.
  5. Mix thoroughly and pour the batter into a greased 9-inch by 13-inch pan.
  6. Spread the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Meanwhile, combine melted butter, brown sugar, coconut, 1 tablespoon of flour, and 1 cup of pecans to make the frosting.
  9. Mix well until creamy.
  10. Remove the cake from the oven and spread the frosting evenly over it.
  11. Return the cake to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the sugar with maple syrup. If you want a nuttier taste, you can replace the pecans with walnuts. Make sure to chop the nuts finely for better distribution throughout the cake. If raisins aren't to your liking, dried cranberries or apricots can be used instead. This cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hillbilly Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Marshmallow Dressing For Fruit, making it a delightful dessert after a hearty meal like Meat And Broccoli Casserole. Additionally, a cup of coffee or a glass of milk complements the flavors perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Hillbilly Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven set to 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hillbilly Cake contains roughly 438 calories, with 4g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

438 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 18.8g 24% DV
Carbs 72.9g 27% DV
Fiber 6.6g 24% DV
Sugar 49.1g 98% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 477.1mg 21% DV
Potassium 574mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 34mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 13.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 13.9mg 15% DV
Calcium 165.2mg 13% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. However, be aware that the texture may be denser. If you're looking for gluten-free alternatives, consider using a gluten-free all-purpose blend, adjusting the liquid content slightly to maintain moisture in the cake.

What should I do if I don't have allspice?

If you don't have allspice on hand, you can create a substitute by mixing equal parts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. This will help mimic the warm, aromatic flavor profile of allspice in your Hillbilly Cake, ensuring you still achieve a rich taste.

Can I freeze the Hillbilly Cake?

Absolutely! To freeze the cake, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy it at room temperature or warmed 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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