Polish Wedding Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A rich, moist layered cake with coconut and nuts, perfect for celebrations or special occasions, offering delightful sweetness and texture with every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick oleo
  • 1/2 cup oil
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 can coconut (1 1/3 cups)
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 5 egg whites

Instructions

  1. Cream oleo, oil, and sugar until well blended.
  2. Beat the mixture well.
  3. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition.
  4. Sift together cake flour and soda.
  5. Add the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.
  6. Stir in coconut, chopped nuts, and vanilla extract.
  7. Gently fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.
  8. Divide batter evenly into three greased 8-inch layer pans.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, ensure your egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Using unsalted butter instead of oleo will also enhance the flavor. For added texture, consider incorporating shredded carrots or apples for a unique twist, similar to recipes like Rhubarb Orange Custard Pie.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for special occasions and pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It also complements light desserts like Blackberry Royal Wine Bundt Cake or a refreshing salad. For a festive touch, garnish with toasted coconut or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Polish Wedding Cake 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. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Polish Wedding Cake contains roughly 805 calories, with 16g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (37% of the Daily Value) and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

805 kcal 40% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.3g 33% DV
Total Fat 50.9g 65% DV
Carbs 74.3g 27% DV
Fiber 4.8g 17% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 137.6mg 6% DV
Potassium 577.8mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 485.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 116.1mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 15.4mg 17% DV
Vitamin D 2.3mcg 11% DV
Calcium 120.6mg 9% DV
Iron 6.6mg 37% DV
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 a different type of flour for this recipe?

While cake flour gives the best texture, you can substitute with all-purpose flour if needed. Keep in mind that the cake might be slightly denser. If you want a gluten-free option, consider using a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the texture of traditional cake flour.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the cake?

If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by 1/2 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Alternatively, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this may alter the moisture content of the cake.

What can I use instead of coconut if I don’t like it?

If you're not a fan of coconut, you can replace it with equal parts of finely chopped dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, chopped chocolate or chocolate chips can be a delicious substitution, adding a rich taste to the cake.

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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