Infallible Nut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, nut-filled cake with a tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for nut lovers and suitable for teatime or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup sweet milk
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup nut meats (hickory nuts, almonds, or English walnuts)
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 1/2 cups butter
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Rub sugar and butter together until creamy.
  2. Sift flour and baking powder together.
  3. Add milk and dry ingredients to the sugar and butter mixture.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and nut meats.
  5. Beat egg whites until stiff froth, then fold into the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
  7. Bake in a medium oven for about one hour until the cake rises to full height before browning.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using browned butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have hickory nuts, almonds or English walnuts work well as substitutes. Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beaten. Sifting the flour with baking powder is crucial for a light texture, so don't skip it. This cake can also be made using gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

Serving Suggestions

This nut cake is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a refreshing contrast, try serving it alongside a light Summer Peach Salad. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices for up to two months. To reheat, let the cake thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Infallible Nut Cake contains roughly 408 calories, with 14g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

408 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.5g 29% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 68.4g 25% DV
Fiber 3.4g 12% DV
Sugar 3.8g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 235mg 10% DV
Potassium 276mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 1.9mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Calcium 99.3mg 8% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg 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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to store it properly as mentioned. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you plan to frost it, wait until the day you serve it to keep the frosting fresh.

What can I use instead of butter?

If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. Just ensure that the alternative is solid at room temperature for the best texture in the cake.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

A good test for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Be sure to monitor it closely in the last few minutes to avoid over-baking.

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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