Irish Rag Cake
Irish Rag Cake is a rich, moist dessert featuring a buttery flavor with a light, fluffy texture from whipped egg whites, perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the butter, Crisco, sugar, egg yolks, milk, vanilla, flour, and baking powder until well combined.
- Gently fold in the beaten egg whites until incorporated.
- Pour the batter into a greased 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, ensure the egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them in. If you don’t have cake flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons of flour for each cup and replacing it with cornstarch. This Irish Rag Cake can also be enhanced with lemon zest or almond extract for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Irish Rag Cake plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Kipper Pate as a savory appetizer for a balanced meal. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Irish Rag 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, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Irish Rag Cake contains roughly 247 calories, with 7g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (14% of the Daily Value).
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 fat instead of butter or margarine?
Yes, you can substitute the butter or margarine with an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Irish Rag Cake, substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the cake's structure.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the cake batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter before baking. Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also be added for a warm flavor twist, making it a versatile treat.
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).