Shell Bark Cake

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

Shell Bark Cake features crunchy shell barks embedded in a moist, sweet cake with vanilla flavor, perfect for snack lovers and those craving a nutty treat.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup soft shortening
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 2/3 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups shell barks, cut up

Instructions

  1. Beat the shortening and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add eggs and beat until creamy.
  3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add the milk alternately with the dry ingredients to the mixture.
  5. Stir in vanilla and the chopped shell barks.
  6. Pour batter into a prepared baking pan.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure to cream the shortening and sugar thoroughly until fluffy. If you don't have shell barks, you can substitute with chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a different flavor. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise. To avoid overmixing, gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

Serving Suggestions

This Shell Bark Cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it with fresh fruit, like berries or slices of Golden Tomatoes, for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy it as a delightful dessert or a sweet afternoon treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will help retain its moisture and softness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Shell Bark Cake contains roughly 396 calories, with 4g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1128mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).

396 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.3g 9% DV
Total Fat 0.6g 1% DV
Carbs 46.9g 17% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 10.5g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1128.4mg 49% DV
Potassium 283mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2mcg
Vitamin C 18.3mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 163.5mg 13% DV
Iron 2.1mg 12% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 margarine instead of shortening?

Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for shortening, but it may change the texture slightly. Margarine tends to have more water content, which could make the cake a bit denser. Make sure to use a good quality margarine for the best results.

What can I use instead of milk?

If you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or soy milk can be used instead of regular milk. For a richer flavor, try using coconut milk. Just be aware that the taste may vary slightly depending on your substitution.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

Absolutely! While the Shell Bark Cake is delicious on its own, you can enhance it with a simple glaze or buttercream frosting. A cream cheese frosting would complement the flavors nicely, making it a great choice for special occasions.

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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