Election Cake, a Forgotten American Tradition
User Reviews
4.9
Election Cake, a Forgotten American Tradition
Description
Election Cake starts with proofing yeast in warm water, building a batter with flour, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg), brown sugar, butter, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Raisins and dried cherries are tossed in flour and folded in for even distribution. The mixture is baked in a greased bundt pan until cooked through. A confectioners sugar icing blended with whisky or brandy and vanilla is drizzled over the cooled cake to provide a lightly boozy-sweet finish.
The cake showcases warm autumnal spice notes interlaced with fruit, with a soft yet sturdy crumb typical of yeast breads. It can be sliced for sharing at gatherings and pairs well with tea or coffee. The alcohol in the icing adds depth but can be substituted.
If alcohol is not desired, replacing whisky or brandy with apple juice maintains sweetness without liquor. The yeast base and careful mixing achieve a tender textured cake suitable for traditions and celebrations.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup water 105 to 115°F
- 1 pkg active dry yeast 2 ¼ tsp
- 4 cups flour all purpose/plain
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (freshly ground)
- 8 oz butter (2 sticks, softened)
- 2 egg lightly beaten
- 2 cups brown sugar firmly packed
- 8 oz buttermilk
- 1 Tbsp vanilla
- 1 cup golden raisins
- ¼ cup dried cherries finely chopped (use figs for the original recipe, or any dried fruit that you prefer)
For the Icing
- 1 ½ cups confectioners sugar
- 2 Tbsp whisky or brandy
- ½ tsp vanilla (good quality, not a store brand or McCormick's)
Instructions
- Grease and flour a bundt pan.
STAND MIXER DIRECTIONS
- Put warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer, then add the yeast, sprinkling it to cover the top. Sprinkle a pinch of sugar on top of the yeast and allow to stand for about 5 minutes.
- Mix the flour with the baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and nutmeg, then set aside.
- If yeast has dissolved and is beginning to bubble, add the one cup of the flour mixture, stirring it in thoroughly. Add butter and mix well.
- Next, add sugar, buttermilk, and vanilla and mix until well combined. Add the eggs and mix until just combined.Finally, mix in the flour, reserving one tablespoon. Toss the raisins and cherries in tablespoon of flour and then fold them into the cake batter. Skip the bread machine instructions below and continue afterwards.
DIRECTIONS FOR BREAD MACHINE
- Put the liquid ingredients into the bread machine pan: water, eggs, butter (make sure it's very soft-almost melted), buttermilk, and vanilla.
- Next, add the dry, making sure to add the yeast last: flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, ginger, nutmeg, brown sugar, golden raisins, and dried cherries (or figs), the pinch of sugar and yeast. Start the bread machine on the "DOUGH" setting.
CONTINUE HERE FOR BOTH METHODS
- When the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pan. Loosely cover the bundt pan with a tea towel and allow to rise for about an hour or until risen (just below the top of the pan).
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake cake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Place pan on wire rack to cool, then carefully remove from the bundt pan after a few minutes.
ICING
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk the confectioners sugar, whisky, and vanilla until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of liquor and the vanilla. Add more whisky or brandy to reach your desired consistency.
- Drizzle or spoon over the top of the cake when completely cool. Serve to voters after they have done their civic duty.
Notes
- If you prefer an alcohol-free version, substitute the whisky or brandy in the icing with apple juice.
- Using the stand mixer ensures thorough mixing and helps incorporate the yeast properly.
- Flouring the dried fruits before adding them prevents them from sinking during baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 390 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1slice | |
| Calories | 390kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 70g | 23% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 53mg | 18% |
| Sodium | 190mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 177mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 45g | 90% |
| Vitamin A | 477IU | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 76mg | 8% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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