Leb Cake
Leb Cake is a rich, spiced dessert featuring dark chocolate, aromatic spices, and candied citron. Its dense texture and complex flavors make it perfect for festive occasions or indulgent treats, appealing to those who enjoy decadent, flavorful baked goods with a hint of spice and citrus.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix eggs, sugar, molasses, vanilla, cloves, and nutmeg well in a bowl.
- Add grated bitter chocolate, chopped citron, and chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Stir in flour and baking powder until well combined.
- Spread the batter in layers in an oblong cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until light brown, about 40 minutes.
- Cut into squares while hot and ice with white glaze.
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a moist Leb Cake, consider using fresh eggs and high-quality molasses. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. For a deeper flavor, try adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of brandy. Remember to sift the flour and baking powder together to avoid clumps.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Leb Cake warm or at room temperature, drizzled with a white glaze for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and can be complemented by a side of Best Carrot Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with chopped nuts or dried fruits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Leb Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leb Cake contains roughly 271 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and iron. It also contributes 6g 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 chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the bitter chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just adjust the sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness.
What can I use instead of molasses?
If you don't have molasses, you can use dark corn syrup or honey as alternatives. However, molasses provides a unique flavor that may be difficult to replicate completely.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Leb Cake gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the baking powder is also gluten-free, and check all other ingredients for gluten content.
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).