Sauerkraut Cake
A unique and flavorful cake blending the tang of sauerkraut with rich chocolate and creamy frosting. Perfect for adventurous eaters and those seeking a surprising dessert, this moist cake offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory with crunchy pecans and coconut topping.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sauerkraut ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cocoa ⓘ
- 1 package powdered sugar ⓘ
- 8 ounces cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 3 1/2 ounces coconut ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream the 2/3 cup butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs until well combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and 1 cup water to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
- Rinse, drain, and chop the sauerkraut; then stir it into the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into two greased 8-inch cake pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 35 minutes, or until the center springs back when touched.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely.
- Combine the melted cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted margarine to make the frosting.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the prepared frosting.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and coconut on top for garnish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for butter in part of the recipe. Ensure you rinse and drain the sauerkraut well to avoid excess moisture. You can also add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice note. If you want a touch of indulgence, try using Fudge Chocolate Frosting instead of the cream cheese frosting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Sauerkraut Cake with a dollop of Soft Ice Cream for a delightful contrast in flavors. It pairs beautifully with Creamy Fruit Parfaits for a balanced dessert spread. Enjoy it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sauerkraut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For best texture, avoid reheating the entire cake at once, as it may dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sauerkraut Cake contains roughly 691 calories, with 7g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1532mg per serving (67% 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 frosting for this cake?
Absolutely! While the cream cheese frosting adds a nice tang, you can opt for a simple chocolate ganache or even a vanilla buttercream. If you're looking for a lighter option, a dusting of powdered sugar can enhance the cake's presentation without overwhelming its flavor.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Sauerkraut Cake is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat or meat by-products. Just be sure to check that your margarine and any other ingredients used are also vegetarian if that is a concern.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Sauerkraut Cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to select a blend that contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Additionally, double-check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
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).