Shoe Box Cake
A rich, nutty layered cake made with crushed graham crackers, walnuts, pecans, and coconut, perfect for gatherings and those with a sweet tooth seeking a unique dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the eggs.
- Add well-beaten eggs last and mix thoroughly.
- Line a large shoe box with wax paper and pour the mixture into it.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3 1/4 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using toasted pecans instead of plain ones. If you can't find black walnuts, regular walnuts can be used as a substitute. Make sure the butter is fully melted to ensure a smooth mixture. If the cake is too dense, adding a bit more baking powder can help it rise better during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Melting Dessert for a sweet finish to any meal. Serve with a side of fresh fruit to balance the richness, making it perfect for gatherings or casual family dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Shoe Box Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. To reheat, let thaw and warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Shoe Box Cake contains roughly 2721 calories, with 24g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 208g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (84% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1233mg per serving (54% 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 nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the black walnuts and pecans with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts based on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are chopped and evenly distributed in the mixture for consistent flavor throughout the cake.
What if I don't have a shoe box to bake in?
If you don't have a shoe box, you can use a standard cake pan or any oven-safe dish. Adjust the baking time as necessary, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
Is it possible to make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Shoe Box Cake a day in advance. Just store it properly as mentioned earlier. It often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings.
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).