Gram’s Poor Man’s Cake (Eggless & Milkless)
🕒 Total Time: 3 hours | 🍽️ Servings: 12 | 📏 Yield: 1 10-inch tube cake
Description:
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of Gram’s Poor Man’s Cake, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. This delightful creation is both eggless and milkless, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight treat or a festive Christmas dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup black coffee
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 apple
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, diced apple, raisins, vanilla extract, salt, sugar, shortening, and black coffee.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Continue cooking until the raisins swell and the liquid becomes syrupy. Allow it to cool completely.
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until well combined.
-
Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Once the fruit mixture has cooled, gradually add the dry ingredients to it.
- Stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined, forming a thick batter.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Grease a 10-inch tube pan and pour the batter into it.
- Bake the cake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the cake is heavy with fruit, it may require a slightly longer baking time.
-
Cool and Store:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes.
- Transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Optional Liquor Soak:
- For an extra layer of flavor, soak a clean piece of cheesecloth in your choice of liquor (brandy, rum, or wine).
- Wrap the cooled cake with the liquor-soaked cheesecloth and then tightly wrap it in foil.
- Store the wrapped cake in a cold place, checking it often and resoaking the cheesecloth as needed.
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Enjoy Your Slice of History:
- Slice and serve this delightful Poor Man’s Cake with a cup of coffee or tea, and savor the rich flavors and memories it evokes.
Notes:
- This recipe originated during wartime when ingredients for fancy baking were scarce, hence the flexible measurements for fruits, nuts, and peels.
- Feel free to customize the fruit mixture according to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- This cake tastes even better when allowed to rest for a day or two, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Indulge in a slice of history with Gram’s Poor Man’s Cake, a testament to resourcefulness and the enduring appeal of homemade desserts. Whether it’s shared during the holidays or enjoyed as a comforting treat on a cozy evening, this cake is sure to become a cherished family favorite for generations to come.
