Cactus Jack Cake Recipe: A Sweet Slice of History
This classic dessert, affectionately named after John Nance Garner, aka “Cactus Jack,” is a nod to the Texan political legend who once served as Vice President of the United States. Known for his witty and candid remarks, including that his vice presidency was “the only demotion I ever had,” Cactus Jack’s cake was a beloved favorite of his. This simple yet flavorful cake was originally shared in the Progressive Farmer magazine and continues to delight with its rich, spiced flavors and moist texture. Whether you’re looking to honor history or simply enjoy a delicious treat, this cake offers a delightful taste of nostalgia with every bite.
Recipe Details
- Category: Dessert
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 461.2
Ingredients
The ingredients for this Cactus Jack Cake are a wonderful blend of rich spices and hearty staples that create a moist, flavorful dessert.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raisins | 1 cup |
| Shortening | 1/2 cup |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| Ground Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Ground Cloves | 1/2 tsp |
| Boiling Water | 2 cups |
| Hot Tap Water | 1/2 cup |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 3 3/4 cups |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 461.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 9.1 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 0 mg |
| Sodium Content | 228.9 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 93.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 2.7 g |
| Sugar Content | 55.9 g |
| Protein Content | 5.2 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to recreate this flavorful cake with a touch of history.
-
Simmer the Raisins and Spices:
In a medium saucepan, combine the raisins, shortening, sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Add 2 cups of boiling water to the mixture and bring it to a simmer. Allow the ingredients to simmer together for about 10 minutes, ensuring the raisins soften and the spices infuse into the liquid. -
Cool the Mixture:
Once the mixture has simmered, remove it from the heat and let it cool completely. Cooling the mixture is important as it helps to avoid cooking the remaining ingredients when added. -
Add the Soda Solution:
In a separate small bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 cup of hot tap water. Once the raisin mixture has cooled, add the soda solution to the mix and stir until fully combined. This step is crucial as the baking soda helps to create the cake’s rise and texture. -
Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
While the raisin mixture is cooling, sift together 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Sifting the flour ensures that it is aerated and free from clumps, which helps to create a lighter cake. -
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the sifted flour and salt mixture into the cooled raisin and spice mixture. Stir the batter well to ensure that everything is evenly incorporated. The batter will be thick but should flow easily from the spoon. -
Bake the Cake:
Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Grease a 10×6 inch loaf pan generously to prevent sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The low temperature ensures that the cake bakes slowly and evenly, allowing the flavors to deepen and the texture to remain moist.
-
Cool and Serve:
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as a delightful treat for dessert or with a cup of tea.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Spice Adjustments: If you enjoy a more pronounced spice flavor, feel free to increase the ground cinnamon and cloves to suit your taste. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice could also add a unique twist to the cake’s flavor profile.
- Add-ins: You can enhance the cake’s texture by adding nuts such as chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a handful of dried cranberries for an extra burst of tartness.
- Frosting: While the cake is delicious on its own, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water, or a cream cheese frosting, could elevate it to a more decadent treat.
This Cactus Jack Cake, with its subtle spiced flavor and moist texture, is sure to be a hit whether you’re honoring a historical figure or simply enjoying a nostalgic slice of Americana. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a cake that stands the test of time.
