Old Kentucky Nut Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A rich and nutty cake featuring walnuts and a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, combining classic flavors with a moist texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 2/3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/3 cups walnuts

Instructions

  1. Cream together shortening, butter, and sugar.
  2. Add eggs and beat well.
  3. Add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix well.
  4. Stir in milk, vanilla, and walnuts.
  5. Pour batter into a prepared pan and bake at 350°F until done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using half butter and half cream cheese instead of shortening. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or almonds can be a great substitute. Make sure to sift the flour for a lighter cake. For an extra touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Old Kentucky Nut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Julie'S Potato Salad for a casual gathering, or enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea. This cake is also great for potlucks and family gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Old Kentucky Nut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice pieces and warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just warm. This will help retain its moist texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old Kentucky Nut Cake contains roughly 700 calories, with 8g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (34% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1434mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

700 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.9g 16% DV
Total Fat 28.3g 36% DV
Carbs 94.4g 34% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 16.3g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1433.8mg 62% DV
Potassium 567.2mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 210.1mg 70% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 106.8mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 8.6mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 443.6mg 34% DV
Iron 3.8mg 21% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container. If you're preparing for a special occasion, consider making it a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste.

Can I freeze Old Kentucky Nut Cake?

Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients while keeping the cake moist.

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).

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