Garbage Cake Recipe
Overview:
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 20
Description:
This Garbage Cake earns its name not from its ingredients, but from the effortless process of mixing everything together in one large bowl. It’s reminiscent of the cakes you might find at church potlucks, hence its alternate moniker, “church lady potluck cake.” This recipe is highly adaptable; you can swap out ingredients like raisins for dates or pecans for walnuts. It’s a versatile treat straight from the pages of the Norske Nook cookbook.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups applesauce
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup dates
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp molasses
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 335.7
- Fat: 12.9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2g
- Cholesterol: 33.4mg
- Sodium: 255mg
- Carbohydrates: 53.8g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 36g
- Protein: 3.1g
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the frosting. Follow the order provided in the ingredients list.
3. Blend Slowly, Then Beat:
Mix the ingredients slowly by hand at first, ensuring everything is well combined. Then, using a mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for approximately 2 minutes. This step ensures a smooth and evenly mixed batter.
4. Prepare the Pan:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
5. Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Frost:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, you can top it with your favorite frosting.
Serving Suggestions:
This Garbage Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a potluck, brunch, or just a sweet treat for yourself. Serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful indulgence.
Tips:
- Feel free to customize this recipe by substituting ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Try using raisins instead of dates or pecans instead of walnuts for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought frosting to save time on preparation.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
