Election Cake is a historic American dessert with roots dating back to the colonial era. It was traditionally baked to celebrate elections and other significant events, often enjoyed at communal gatherings. This rich, fruit-laden cake is a testament to early American baking and offers a glimpse into the culinary practices of the 18th and 19th centuries. With its blend of spices, dried fruits, and nuts, Election Cake is not just a treat but a piece of history. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making your own Election Cake, sharing tips and techniques to ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Election Cake
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped dates
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
- 1 cup candied orange peel, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup candied lemon peel, finely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Election Cake
- Prepare the Ingredients Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This process should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the Eggs and Vanilla Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the Molasses Add the molasses to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the Fruits and Nuts Gently fold in the raisins, dates, nuts, candied orange peel, and candied lemon peel until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s), spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Cake Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using two round pans, you may need to check for doneness a bit earlier.
- Cool and Serve Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost or glaze the cake if desired, though it is traditionally served plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
About the Main Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake. It’s essential to sift it with the other dry ingredients to ensure an even texture.
- Sugars: Granulated sugar and brown sugar contribute to the sweetness and moisture of the cake. Brown sugar also adds a hint of caramel flavor.
- Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cake a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to its tender crumb.
- Milk: Whole milk helps to create a moist cake and balances the thickness of the batter.
- Fruits and Nuts: Raisins, dates, and nuts add texture and natural sweetness. Candied peel provides a burst of citrus flavor, complementing the spices.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and other spices give Election Cake its distinctive warm, aromatic flavor.
- Molasses: Adds depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness. It also contributes to the cake’s moistness and color.
- Eggs: Eggs help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
Enjoy making and sharing your Election Cake, a delicious slice of American culinary tradition!
