Kentucky Pecan Cake
A moist and flavorful pecan cake with warm cinnamon notes, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings, offering a rich, nutty taste with a light, airy texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine self-rising flour, sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, cinnamon, egg yolks, and hot water in a large mixing bowl; beat until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Invert the pan and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Remove the cake from the pan.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cooled cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. You can substitute half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened Greek yogurt for a healthier option. If you don't have self-rising flour, use all-purpose flour and add 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This cake is inspired by traditional American recipes, making it a delightful choice for gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Kentucky Pecan Cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack with coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with Chocolate Cornmeal Cookies for a varied dessert platter. For a festive touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This cake also makes a great addition to potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Kentucky Pecan 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 a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kentucky Pecan Cake contains roughly 808 calories, with 25g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (42% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 nut in this cake?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just chop them similarly to maintain the texture. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
You can replace applesauce with an equal amount of mashed bananas or plain yogurt. Both alternatives will keep the cake moist while adding a unique flavor profile.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be baked a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to retain its freshness. It's even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
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).