Jimmy Carter Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A rich peanut-flavored layered dessert featuring a crunchy peanut crust and creamy pudding topping, perfect for peanut lovers and gatherings requiring a sweet, indulgent treat.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup peanut butter
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 4 1/2 oz. package Cool Whip
  • 2 small packages milk chocolate instant pudding
  • 2 3/4 cups milk

Instructions

  1. Work flour and margarine together as for pie crust.
  2. Add chopped peanuts and press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes and then let cool.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can substitute the chopped peanuts with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nutty taste. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing, and you can also use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher touch. This cake pairs beautifully with Snicker Doodles Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Jimmy Carter Cake chilled for the best texture, and consider garnishing with additional chopped peanuts or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for added flair. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh fruit. This cake also complements coffee or tea perfectly, making it a great option for an afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep well for up to 4 days. If you want to reheat, consider warming individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as the cream cheese layer can get very soft.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Jimmy Carter Cake contains roughly 1890 calories, with 43g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (68% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2258mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).

1890 kcal 95% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 42.7g 85% DV
Total Fat 129.8g 100% DV
Carbs 152.9g 56% DV
Fiber 19g 68% DV
Sugar 84.8g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2258.3mg 98% DV
Potassium 862mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 62.7mg 21% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 295.8mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 8mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 1.8mcg 9% DV
Calcium 462.6mg 36% DV
Iron 7.4mg 41% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Peanut

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 prepare the cake a day in advance. Just make sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract to create a fresh topping. This substitution will provide a lighter and creamier texture that complements the cake well.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

To make a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute in place of confectioners sugar. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of regular flour can increase the nutritional value while still maintaining a delicious flavor.

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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