Nameless Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich, spiced cake with cocoa and nuts, perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings, offering warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and chocolate in every bite.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup shortening
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 3/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 3/4 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 Tbsp. Cocoa
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar together.
  2. Blend in eggs one at a time.
  3. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cocoa.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk.
  5. Blend in vanilla and chopped nuts.
  6. Pour the batter into greased and floured pans.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
  8. Frost with Mocha frosting after cooling.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, beat the eggs separately before adding them to the mixture. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a different flavor, try using pumpkin spice instead of nutmeg and cinnamon. To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with Mocha frosting, enhancing the chocolate flavor. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a slice of Tangerine Pie for a delightful contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Nameless Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to reheat individual slices, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Nameless Cake contains roughly 347 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1274mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).

347 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.9g 8% DV
Total Fat 8.5g 11% DV
Carbs 35.2g 13% DV
Fiber 2.4g 8% DV
Sugar 7.9g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1274.2mg 55% DV
Potassium 403.2mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.5mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 16.4mg 18% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 188.6mg 15% DV
Iron 1.2mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour in this recipe. While cake flour gives a lighter texture, all-purpose flour will still yield a delicious cake. Just be mindful to sift it well to avoid any lumps.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before adding it to the batter.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is completely cooled before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. Frost it just before serving to keep the frosting fresh and appealing.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →