Irish Potato Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: Irish

Irish Potato Cake is a unique dessert that combines the heartiness of mashed potatoes with the sweetness of sugar and raisins. This moist cake is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful twist with a hint of cinnamon and the crunch of pecans. It's a warm, comforting treat that suits all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 3/4 c. butter
  • 2 c. mashed potatoes
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 c. buttermilk
  • 2 tsp. soda
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 c. raisins
  • 1 1/2 c. pecans, chopped
  • 2 c. flour
  • 1 Tbsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream butter, sugar, and egg yolks together.
  2. Cream and mash the potatoes, then mix them into the butter and sugar mixture.
  3. Add buttermilk to the mixture.
  4. Sift together the dry ingredients.
  5. Add chopped pecans and raisins to the mixture.
  6. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold them into the batter.
  7. Pour the mixture into a baking pan and bake in a 350° oven until done.
  8. Optionally, cover with chocolate icing or any other favorite icing.
  9. You may use 1/4 cup cocoa in the cake for a chocolate flavor, if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes). Adding 1/4 cup of cocoa can give your cake a delightful chocolate twist. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Irish Potato Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, top with chocolate icing or serve alongside Gram'S Irish Soda Bread for a true Irish feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Irish Potato Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Irish Potato Cake contains roughly 900 calories, with 14g protein, 116g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), protein (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

900 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.4g 29% DV
Total Fat 41g 53% DV
Carbs 116.5g 42% DV
Fiber 10.5g 37% DV
Sugar 24.4g 49% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 93.1mg 4% DV
Potassium 1381.3mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 57.1mg 19% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 21.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 26mg 29% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 137.2mg 11% DV
Iron 4.6mg 26% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, using sweet potatoes can add a unique flavor and sweetness to the cake. Just make sure they are well-mashed and mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients to maintain the cake's texture.

What can I substitute for raisins?

If you prefer, you can replace raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dates, which will add a different flavor profile to the cake. You can also omit them for a simpler version.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking and check again every few minutes.

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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