Texas Gumdrop Cake
Texas Gumdrop Cake is a rich, moist dessert combining sweet raisins, crunchy pecans, and colorful gumdrops for a nostalgic treat. Its spiced flavor profile makes it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family occasions, offering a delightful mix of chewy, nutty, and fruity textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, oil, flour, applesauce, cinnamon, and allspice in a large bowl.
- Add raisins, chopped pecans, and gumdrops to the mixture.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
- Place a pan of water under the cake in the oven to create steam.
- Bake at 275°F (135°C) for 2 1/2 hours or until done.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider sifting the flour and baking soda before mixing. You can substitute half of the sugar with brown sugar for added moisture and flavor. If you don't have gumdrops, diced dried fruits like apricots or candied pineapple can be a fun alternative. Adjust the spices to your taste if you prefer a more pronounced flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Gumdrop Cake slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Honey Spiced Peaches for a refreshing contrast. Consider enjoying it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Texas Gumdrop Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to two weeks. When ready to enjoy, allow it to come to room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Gumdrop Cake contains roughly 853 calories, with 11g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 21g 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, Texas Gumdrop Cake can be made a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. This cake often tastes even better after sitting for a day, as the flavors meld together.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you're allergic to pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be used as substitutes in this recipe. You can also leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version, and the cake will still hold its delicious flavor.
How do I know when the cake is done?
To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes and test again.
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).