Sand Cakes. Mrs. Abbie A. Lucas. Recipe

Sand Cakes Recipe

History:
Sand cakes, also known as cornstarch cakes, have a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. This delightful dessert has its roots in colonial America, where cornstarch was readily available and became a popular ingredient in baking. The name "sand cakes" comes from their crumbly and delicate texture, reminiscent of sandy beaches.

Fun Facts:
- Sand cakes were often served at afternoon tea gatherings during the Victorian era, paired with a freshly brewed cup of tea.
- The use of cornstarch in these cakes gives them a lighter and smoother texture compared to traditional butter cakes.
- Sand cakes were widely enjoyed by both children and adults due to their simple yet delightful taste.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 pound cornstarch
- 1/2 pound butter (at room temperature)
- 1 pound sugar
- 8 eggs
- 2 teaspoonfuls baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour patty pans or cupcake molds to prevent sticking.

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until creamy and well combined.

3. Add one egg at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. The mixture should be light and fluffy.

4. Gradually add the cornstarch and baking powder to the batter, mixing well after each addition. Alternate between adding a little cornstarch and then a little egg until everything is fully incorporated.

5. Spoon the batter into the prepared patty pans or cupcake molds, filling them about three-quarters full. This recipe yields a generous amount of batter, so you may need to bake the cakes in batches.

6. Place the filled patty pans or cupcake molds in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the cakes turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Frosting:
If desired, you may frost these sand cakes to enhance their presentation and flavor. Choose your preferred frosting recipe and generously frost the cooled cakes.

Serve and Enjoy!
Sand cakes are perfect for any occasion, such as tea parties, birthdays, or as a sweet treat during gatherings with friends and family. These delightful cakes can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Similar Recipe Dishes:
1. Shortbread: Another crumbly and buttery delicacy, shortbread is a traditional Scottish cookie made with butter, sugar, and flour. It also shares a similar melt-in-your-mouth texture with sand cakes.
2. Madeleines: These small, shell-shaped French cakes are made with butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and a hint of lemon zest. They have a light and spongy texture, making them perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee.
3. Pound Cake: Like sand cakes, pound cake is a classic dessert that originated in the 18th century. It traditionally consists of equal parts butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. Both sand cakes and pound cakes are simple yet delicious treats that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Enjoy baking and savoring these delightful sand cakes!