Mother Hershey'S Sugar Cakes
Delicious sugar cakes with a tender texture and subtle spice flavor, perfect for nostalgic treats or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together sugar, lard, and eggs.
- Add sour milk to the mixture.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, vanilla, lemon juice, nutmeg, and salt.
- Add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and combine well.
- Chill the dough for two hours.
- Drop teaspoonfuls of dough onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F until they begin to turn brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of lard, but keep the same measurements. If you don't have sour milk, you can create a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Chilling the dough is crucial for achieving the right consistency, so don't skip that step. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal leavening.
Serving Suggestions
These sugar cakes are delightful on their own or served alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For an indulgent treat, try pairing them with Bev'S Chocolate Pudding Cake for a sweet dessert spread. They also make a great addition to a brunch table alongside fresh fruit or a light salad for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sugar cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you prefer a softer texture, you can place a slice of bread in the container to help retain moisture. To reheat, pop them in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at a low temperature until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother Hershey'S Sugar Cakes contains roughly 1784 calories, with 19g protein, 174g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (232% of the Daily Value), iron (54% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2171mg per serving (94% 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 lard?
Yes, you can substitute lard with unsalted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. Just ensure that you use the same amount to maintain the texture of the dough. Keep in mind that butter will add a slight richness that can enhance the overall taste.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels overly sticky after chilling, try sprinkling a little more flour while handling it. Make sure to flour your hands and surfaces to prevent sticking when dropping the dough onto the cookie sheet.
How can I make these sugar cakes more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the dry ingredients. For a citrus twist, increase the amount of lemon juice or add some lemon zest. These variations can give your sugar cakes a delightful aroma and taste.
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).