"aunt Sarah's" Shellbark Layer Cake Recipe

Aunt Sarah's Shellbark Layer Cake Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Aunt Sarah's Shellbark Layer Cake is an old-fashioned recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. It is named after Aunt Sarah, who was known for her delicious cakes and baked goods. The use of shellbark or hickory nut meats in this cake adds a unique and nutty flavor, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Traditionally, this cake was baked in three layers, using simple ingredients found in every household pantry. The recipe dates back to the days when baking powder was not easily available, and flour had to be mixed with other ingredients to achieve the desired consistency. Aunt Sarah's Shellbark Layer Cake became a family favorite due to its simple preparation, rich flavor, and charming combination of textures.

Now, let's dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3/4 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 1-1/2 teaspoonfuls baking powder
- Flour to stiffen
- 1 cup hickory nut meats, chopped
- White of one egg (set aside for icing)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three round cake pans for baking.

2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.

3. Add the water and eggs to the creamed mixture and beat well.

4. Gradually add the baking powder and flour, mixing until the batter becomes stiff. The amount of flour required may vary, so add it gradually until the desired consistency is achieved.

5. Divide the batter equally into three portions.

6. Take one portion of the batter and fold in the chopped hickory nut meats until well combined.

7. Pour the nut-containing batter into one of the prepared cake pans. This will be the middle layer of your cake.

8. Divide the remaining plain batter equally between the other two cake pans.

9. Bake all three cake layers in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Once baked, remove the cake pans from the oven and allow the cake layers to cool completely.

11. While the cake is cooling, prepare the white boiled icing. Use the saved-out white of one egg for this step. You can find a recipe for a basic white boiled icing online or in a cookbook.

12. Once the cake layers are cool, carefully transfer the nut-containing layer to the serving plate.

13. Spread a generous amount of white boiled icing over the top of the nut-containing layer.

14. Place one of the plain layers on top of the iced layer. Repeat the process by spreading white boiled icing on top.

15. Finally, place the last plain layer on top of the second iced layer and frost the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining white boiled icing.

16. If desired, you can decorate the cake with additional hickory nut meats or any other decorative toppings you like.

17. Slice and serve the Aunt Sarah's Shellbark Layer Cake, and enjoy the delectable combination of flavors and textures!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoyed making and tasting Aunt Sarah's Shellbark Layer Cake, you might also be interested in trying other nut-based cakes or desserts. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Pecan Pie: This classic Southern dessert features a buttery pie crust filled with a gooey mixture of pecans, sugar, and corn syrup. It is baked until the filling is set and creates a rich and indulgent treat.

2. Walnut Brownies: Add some crunch and depth to your regular brownie recipe by including chopped walnuts. The combination of fudgy brownie texture and the nutty bite of the walnuts creates a delightful contrast.

3. Almond Torte: Almond torte is a light, fluffy cake made with ground almonds. It is often layered with buttercream or ganache and topped with sliced almonds for an elegant and delicious dessert.

4. Hazelnut Praline Cheesecake: A cheesecake made with a crunchy hazelnut praline base and topped with a creamy and smooth cheesecake filling. The combination of hazelnut and cheesecake is sure to please any dessert lover.

Remember to have fun exploring different recipes and adding your own creative touch to make them uniquely yours!