Delight your taste buds with the rich and nutty flavors of Southern Nut Cake, a popular dessert that embodies Southern hospitality and culinary traditions. This moist and tender cake is generously studded with a variety of chopped nuts, resulting in a delicious texture and nutty flavor that will impress. Whether served as a sweet treat with a cup of coffee or as a special dessert for gatherings and celebrations, Southern Nut Cake is a crowd favorite. Let’s go on a culinary adventure and discover the irresistible appeal of this traditional Southern delicacy! ๐ฐ๐ฅ๐ฐ
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- Additional chopped nuts for garnish (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan or tube pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Alternate Adding Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Nuts and Coconut:
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt cake pan or tube pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, and baking soda.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake is baked and still warm, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or toothpick.
- Slowly pour the warm glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the holes and soak the cake.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- If desired, sprinkle additional chopped nuts over the top of the glazed cake for garnish.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Slice and Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the Southern Nut Cake and serve it as a deliciously nutty and moist dessert.
- Enjoy the cake with a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage, savoring each bite of its rich and flavorful goodness.
Optional Tips:
- You can customize the nut combination in the cake according to your preference or based on what you have available.
- For extra indulgence, serve slices of Southern Nut Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Finally, Southern Nut Cake is a timeless classic that combines the rich and nutty flavors of the South in a moist and tender dessert. This cake is a true sensory delight, with a generous blend of chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, and coconut, all complemented by a warm and indulgent glaze. Whether served as a sweet treat for afternoon tea, a dessert for special occasions, or shared with loved ones during gatherings and celebrations, Southern Nut Cake’s irresistible taste and comforting charm will leave a lasting impression. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make a batch of this popular Southern delicacy to share and enjoy with family and friends! ๐ฐ๐ฅ๐ฐ