Nora'S Poor Man'S Cake
Nora's Poor Man's Cake is a simple, moist dessert with a rich vanilla flavor, perfect for quick baking and great served with fresh strawberries or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Beat well until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into a large iron skillet.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve warm, possibly with strawberry shortcake or other toppings.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter and adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you're short on time, you can substitute buttermilk for the milk to enhance the cake's moisture. Additionally, using whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and make this a bit healthier, aligning with various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake warm, perhaps topped with whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a refreshing Strawberry Rhubarb Pecan Salad for a unique twist. Consider serving it at brunch or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nora'S Poor Man'S Cake contains roughly 1400 calories, with 8g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (24% of the Daily Value) and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2233mg per serving (97% 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 flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free option, or use cake flour for a lighter texture. Keep in mind that substitutions may alter the cake's density and moisture, so adjust the liquid content accordingly.
How can I make this cake more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to the batter. Additionally, incorporating spices like cinnamon or vanilla bean paste will give it a more complex taste. Drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top can also elevate its flavor.
What can I do if I don't have baking powder?
If you're out of baking powder, you can make a substitute by combining 1/4 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice for each teaspoon of baking powder needed. This will help the cake rise and achieve the desired texture.
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).