Best 6 Poor Mans Cake I Recipes
Indulge in a delectable journey through the realm of Poor Man's Cake, a symphony of flavors that belies its humble name. This timeless classic, also known as Depression Cake, originated during the Great Depression era, a testament to the resilience and creativity of home cooks who transformed pantry staples into culinary masterpieces. With variations spanning chocolate, vanilla, and even pineapple, each recipe promises a unique taste sensation. Embark on a nostalgic adventure as you explore these treasured recipes, each offering a comforting embrace and a taste of history. From the classic chocolate cake, enriched with cocoa powder and crowned with a luscious chocolate frosting, to the tangy delight of pineapple cake, featuring crushed pineapple and a hint of coconut, these recipes cater to every palate. Discover the secrets behind this iconic cake, its ability to evoke memories and bring people together, and learn how to create your own version of this timeless treat.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
GRANDMA'S POOR MAN'S CAKE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350° and spray two 9 x 5 baking pans or a 13 x 9 baking dish with non stick spray. Set aside.
POOR MANS CAKE III
This recipe if from the l930's. My Grandmother gave it to my Mother and she gave it to me. Now I am a grandmother and passed it down to my kids. It's really good. You don't have to dirty your mixer for this one, just a big bowl.
Provided by Jill D
Categories Desserts Cakes Fruitcake Recipes
Time 1h30m
Yield 24
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
- In a saucepan mix brown sugar, raisins, water and shortening. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. When raisin mixture is cool, add to dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 or 40 minutes. Do not over bake or it will be too dry. Test after 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of cake should come out clean.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 186.4 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Fat 6.7 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 206.3 mg, Sugar 16.1 g
CHOCOLATE POOR MAN'S CAKE
My mother made this cake for us when we were growing up, and it's a family favorite. It comes from WWII era, because she grew up during that time when things were rationed, and so they had to invent recipes that didn't use milk or eggs. This is a delicious cake, & the icing goes with it perfectly. It's a small cake, and bakes up...
Provided by Toni Fletcher
Categories Chocolate
Time 1h
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- 2. Grease and flour an 8 x8 square cake pan(s). For layer cakes, double the recipe, and line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper. Then grease and flour it.
- 3. Sift the flour sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- 4. Next, add the oil, water, and vinegar.
- 5. Mix together well with either an electric hand mixer (beaters) or a standing mixer, stopping occasionally to scrape the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be thin.
- 6. Add the vanilla, and mix well until it is all incorporated into the batter.
- 7. Pour the batter into the greased and floured pan(s). Tapping the pans lightly to release the air bubbles.
- 8. Bake until done, about 40-45 minutes, or until cake tester comes out clean. If leaving it in the pan to frost, cool the cake completely. For layer cakes, cool completely, then turn out the layers onto a rack to drizzle icing over it.
- 9. When cake has completely cooled, ice with the Poor Man's Cake Icing.
- 10. For the icing, mix the sugar, milk, shortening, and cocoa powder together in a small saucepan.
- 11. Heat over low heat to incorporate the ingredients, and melt the shortening.
- 12. Once the shortening starts melting, use a spatula or a small whisk and constantly stir to avoid burning, until the mixture is liquid and all the ingredients are incorporated.
- 13. When the edges of the saucepan start to bubble slightly, take the saucepan off the heat to a cool burner, and then add the vanilla. Mix together quickly, making sure the vanilla is evenly distributed. Icing will be thing and liquid.
- 14. Pour the icing onto the cake in the pan to cover cake completely. Let icing cool, completely, and it will set. Then cut and serve. This cake goes well with vanilla ice cream.
- 15. If frosting layers, dab a small amount of shortening on the cake rack so the cake will eventually slide off onto a platter. Place the cake rack over a jelly roll pan to catch the extra frosting. Cut off the top of the bottom layer if it domed slightly during baking, so that it is flat and even.
- 16. Pour a small amount of icing sparingly onto the middle of the bottom layer first and using a knife, spread it evenly. Let it set for about 1 minute, then place the top layer on.
- 17. Pour the rest of the icing over the top of the cake, using a knife to spread down the sides. Excess frosting will drip through the rack or jelly roll pan. Transfer cake immediately from the rack to a platter by sliding it carefully. Let frosting cool and set before slicing and serving.
POOR MAN'S PUDDING CAKE (POUDING CHOMEUR)
Adopted recipe! A traditional French-Canadian recipe that is very common in Quebec. A syrupy "pudding" with a cakey topping. Very sweet.
Provided by Barefoot Beachcomber
Categories Dessert
Time 50m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a saucepan melt butter or margarine; stir in brown sugar.
- Add water and vanilla.
- Bring to a boil.
- Meanwhile, make the dough.
- Cream butter or margarine; add sugar.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt.
- Add to butter mixture alternately with milk.
- Pour syrup into a 9 X 13 baking dish.
- Drop dough by teaspoons over syrup.
- Bake at 350 F for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 407, Fat 9.7, SaturatedFat 6, Cholesterol 26.1, Sodium 211, Carbohydrate 78.5, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 58.8, Protein 3.3
POOR MAN'S CHOCOLATE CAKE
Make and share this Poor Man's Chocolate Cake recipe from Food.com.
Provided by janetgran51
Categories Dessert
Time 1h
Yield 1 cake, 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients and pour in ungreased 9 X 13" pan. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees, until pick comes out clean. If desired, top with a swirl of whipped cream.
GRANDMA'S POOR MAN'S CAKE
This cake is something my Grandma made during the depression. I always thought it sounded odd, but it is actually pretty good. My Dad said that as kids (he was one of 9) it was one thing that was always a treat.
Provided by Judy O'Brien
Categories Cakes
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- 1. In a large sauce pan boil 1 cup water, add first 6 ingredients, boil together until luke warm, stir. Remove from burner
- 2. In large mixing bowl add all dry ingredients, mix together with fork. Sift into the sauce pan. Mix well.
- 3. Grease or spray a 9x9 baking dish. Pour mixture in dish, and spread evenly.
- 4. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes. Watch it towards end so it doesn't get too dark. Enjoy! (You might be able to make this gluten free by using a gluten free flour, haven't tried it, but it might work.)
Tips for a Scrumptious Poor Man's Cake:
- Select the Right Ingredients: Use high-quality, fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Ensure your butter is at room temperature and your eggs are fresh.
- Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before baking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the cake from sinking.
- Grease and Flour Your Pan: Don't skip this step! Greasing and flouring the pan prevents the cake from sticking and helps it release easily after baking.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients Separately: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution.
- Cream Together Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, airier cake.
- Add Eggs One at a Time: Gradually add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This prevents the mixture from curdling.
- Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Once the butter-sugar mixture is ready, start adding the dry and wet ingredients alternately, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are well combined.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Bake the cake at the specified temperature and for the specified time. Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause the cake to fall.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with batter or crumbs attached, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Let the Cake Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving. This helps the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling.
Conclusion:
The Poor Man's Cake is a delightful and economical dessert that proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. With its moist, tender crumb and sweet, caramelized crust, this cake is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Remember to follow the tips provided in this article to ensure a perfect Poor Man's Cake every time. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a great way to showcase your culinary skills and impress your friends and family. Happy baking!
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