Southern Style Comb Cake
A moist, spiced cake with a tender crumb, featuring warm cinnamon and cloves, perfect for family gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut butter into flour and sugar until crumbly. Remove 1/2 cup mixture and set aside for topping.
- Add milk, vanilla, egg, soda, cinnamon, and cloves to the remaining mixture. Beat until smooth.
- Pour batter into a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved topping over the batter.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar in the batter. If you're out of self-rising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 teaspoon baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of all-purpose flour. Additionally, adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the spice profile of this cake. Don't forget to sift your dry ingredients for a lighter texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful cake warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. For an extra twist, try serving it alongside Tammy'S No Bake Banana Pudding for a delicious dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you'd like to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Style Comb Cake contains roughly 384 calories, with 8g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substitute the butter with a different fat?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil or coconut oil in place of butter. However, the texture may be slightly different. If using oil, use about 1/3 cup less than the amount of butter called for, and the cake will still be moist and flavorful.
What can I add to make the cake more flavorful?
Consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also enhance the sweetness and provide a chewy contrast. Experimenting with spices like cardamom or ginger can introduce a unique twist to this classic recipe.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and substitute some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Additionally, using whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour will increase fiber content. Just be mindful that these changes may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the final 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).