Puffed Wheat Cake: A Timeless Picnic Favorite
This delightful Puffed Wheat Cake, a cherished recipe that many remember from their early baking days, embodies simplicity and nostalgia, making it an excellent choice for picnics or casual gatherings. With its chewy texture and rich flavors, this cake is sure to please both young and old alike. Let’s dive into the preparation of this sweet treat, which can be made in just twenty minutes.
Recipe Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Description | A picnic favorite perfect for beginners |
| Recipe Category | Under 30 Minutes |
| Recipe Yield | 1 (9×13 inch cake pan) |
| Keywords | Easy, Puffed Wheat, No-Bake |
Ingredients
To prepare this delightful cake, gather the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | ½ cup |
| Sugar | ½ cup |
| Light corn syrup | ½ cup |
| Cocoa powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Puffed wheat cereal | 11 cups |
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a look at the nutritional content of this cake:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2085.5 kcal |
| Total Fat | 95.1 g |
| Saturated Fat | 59.4 g |
| Cholesterol | 244 mg |
| Sodium | 790.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 308 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.5 g |
| Sugars | 152.7 g |
| Protein | 22.5 g |
Instructions
The steps to create this delightful Puffed Wheat Cake are straightforward and easy to follow.
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Prepare the Cake Pan: Begin by greasing a 9×13 inch cake pan, ensuring the sides and bottom are well coated to prevent sticking. This preparation is crucial as it allows for easy removal of the cake once it has set.
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Cook the Syrup Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar, light corn syrup, and cocoa powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir frequently until it reaches a boiling point, then continue to boil until the mixture forms threads when dripped from a silver spoon, typically around 5 minutes. This is the key step that creates the chewy texture of the cake.
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Incorporate the Vanilla: Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. The addition of vanilla not only enhances the flavor but also adds a delightful aroma to the cake.
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Mix with Puffed Wheat: In a very large mixing bowl, pour the hot syrup mixture over the puffed wheat cereal. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix well until all the puffed wheat is thoroughly coated with the syrup. This step ensures that each piece is infused with that delicious chocolatey flavor.
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Press into the Pan: Once the puffed wheat is evenly coated, transfer the mixture to the prepared cake pan. With clean, greased hands or a spatula, press the mixture firmly into the pan, making sure it is even and compact. This is important to help the cake hold its shape once it has set.
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Let it Set: Allow the cake to cool at room temperature until it hardens, which should take about 1 hour. Once cooled, cut into serving pieces using a sharp knife. The pieces can be as small or large as you prefer, depending on how you plan to serve them.
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Serve and Enjoy: Your Puffed Wheat Cake is now ready to be enjoyed! These treats are perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or just a sweet snack at home.
Final Thoughts
This Puffed Wheat Cake not only represents a sweet indulgence but also a beautiful memory from childhood, making it a wonderful addition to any gathering or family event. With its ease of preparation and delightful taste, it continues to be a favorite among those who appreciate homemade desserts. Enjoy sharing this classic recipe with your loved ones, and watch it become a cherished tradition in your kitchen as well.
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients, such as nuts or chocolate chips, to customize this recipe to your family’s tastes. Happy baking!
