Ola'S Irish Potato Cake
Ola's Irish Potato Cake is a rich, moist dessert blending the sweetness of sugar and the warmth of spices with the subtle earthiness of mashed potatoes. Enhanced by walnuts and chocolate, it offers a unique, comforting flavor profile perfect for special occasions or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar and butter.
- Stir in unsweetened chocolate and mashed potatoes.
- Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in buttermilk, chopped walnuts, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Beat egg whites until stiff and fold into the mixture.
- Pour the batter into a baking pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Let the cake cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to fold the egg whites gently to maintain the cake's light texture. This cake is great for special occasions or paired with coffee, much like Dutch Butter Squares.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Russian Salad or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it 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 about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ola'S Irish Potato Cake contains roughly 516 calories, with 8g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), calcium (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1116mg per serving (49% 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 sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute warm mashed sweet potatoes for the regular mashed potatoes. This will add a slight sweetness and a beautiful color to the cake. Just ensure that they are well-mashed to avoid lumps in the batter.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help the cake rise and maintain its structure.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you are allergic to walnuts or prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds. You can also omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free option, and perhaps add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
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).