Southern Favorite Cake

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful Southern cake featuring rich coffee and aromatic flavorings, perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence with a smooth caramel frosting.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 3/4 cups sifted cake flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup strong cold coffee
  • 5 egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple flavoring
  • 1/4 teaspoon black walnut flavoring

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly.
  2. Sift cake flour and baking powder together.
  3. Add alternately with cold coffee, beating well after each addition.
  4. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites to which vanilla, maple, and black walnut flavorings have been added.
  5. Turn the batter into two 9-inch layer pans.
  6. Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes.
  7. Frost with elegant caramel frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. If you don’t have black walnut flavoring, you can substitute with chopped walnuts for added texture. You can also experiment with different flavorings like hazelnut or almond for a unique twist. This cake is an ideal companion to Coconut Icebox Cookies for a delightful dessert spread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake with a drizzle of caramel frosting for a sweet finish. It pairs well with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. Consider serving it alongside Almond Vegetable Slaw for a refreshing side that balances the sweetness of the cake, making for a well-rounded meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the layers in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they don’t dry out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Southern Favorite Cake contains roughly 115 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value).

115 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 4.1g 5% DV
Carbs 13.5g 5% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 1.1g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 237.8mg 10% DV
Potassium 102.6mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 12.1mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 24mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 0.6mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 111.8mg 9% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk 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

Can I use regular coffee instead of strong cold coffee?

Using regular coffee may result in a milder flavor. To maintain the depth of taste, brew your coffee stronger than usual by using more coffee grounds or less water. Alternatively, you can use espresso for a more intense flavor that complements the cake beautifully.

What can I use if I don't have cake flour?

If you don't have cake flour, you can make a substitute by measuring out 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and removing 2 tablespoons. Then, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to achieve a similar texture. This will help create a light and fluffy cake despite the substitution.

How can I make the frosting more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor of the frosting, consider adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also incorporate a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of maple syrup for a richer taste. Experimenting with flavored extracts can create a unique twist that complements the cake beautifully.

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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