Peggy'S Famous Otter Creek Cakes(Pinto Bean Cake)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 75 min Cuisine: American

Peggy's Famous Otter Creek Cakes are moist, flavorful pinto bean cakes infused with spices, apples, and nuts, perfect for a hearty, nutritious dessert or snack.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 cup shortening
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 2 cups cooked and mashed pinto beans
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups diced raw apples
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream the sugar and shortening together.
  2. Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix well.
  3. Sift together the flour, soda, salt, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Stir in the cooked and mashed pinto beans, diced raw apples, raisins, nuts, and vanilla.
  6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, try substituting half of the sugar with applesauce. You can also use almond or peanut butter in place of shortening for a different flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts and replace them with additional raisins or seeds. Make sure the pinto beans are well mashed to ensure a smooth batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Otter Creek Cakes warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. They pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For added flavor, consider drizzling with a homemade caramel sauce or serving alongside a slice of Pineapple Upside-Down French Toast for a delightful brunch spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave slices for about 20-30 seconds or warm in an oven set at 350°F until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Peggy'S Famous Otter Creek Cakes(Pinto Bean Cake) contains roughly 1410 calories, with 26g protein, 255g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), iron (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1192mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

1410 kcal 71% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 26.5g 53% DV
Total Fat 37.6g 48% DV
Carbs 255.2g 93% DV
Fiber 21.9g 78% DV
Sugar 37.6g 75% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1191.9mg 52% DV
Potassium 1513.8mg 32% DV
Cholesterol 159.4mg 53% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 55.3mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 74.2mg 82% DV
Calcium 817.9mg 63% DV
Iron 14.3mg 79% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains 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

What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can easily substitute walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch. You can also increase the amount of raisins for added sweetness and texture without the nuts.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, particularly any packaged items like raisins or spices.

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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