poor man’s cake recipe

poor man's cake recipe

The Best poor man’s cake recipe

I’ve been making poor man’s cake for years, and it’s a staple in our household. It’s a simple recipe that requires just a few ingredients, but the end result is always delicious. The cake is moist and flavorful, with a hint of sweetness that’s perfect for any occasion. My kids love helping me mix the batter, and they’re always eager to be the first to taste the finished product.

I’ve made this cake for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just as a quick dessert on weeknights. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as we do. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix all the ingredients together in one bowl and bake until golden brown. It’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking, and it’s also a wonderful way to spend quality time with them in the kitchen.

I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients like real butter and fresh eggs makes all the difference in the taste and texture of the cake. But don’t worry if you’re on a budget – this recipe is perfect for those times when you want something special without breaking the bank. The poor man’s cake recipe has its roots in traditional American cuisine, where it was often served as a humble dessert at family gatherings and community events. Despite its simplicity, the cake has a rich history and has been enjoyed by generations of families across the country.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it at room temperature as a snack. My kids love topping their slices with fresh fruit or whipped cream for an extra-special treat. The key to making a great poor man’s cake is to use high-quality ingredients and to not overmix the batter. This will ensure that your cake turns out light and fluffy, rather than dense and heavy.

I also like to use real butter instead of margarine or other substitutes – it makes all the difference in the flavor and texture of the finished product. As someone who loves baking but doesn’t always have hours to spare in the kitchen, I appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together. In under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious homemade cake that’s perfect for any occasion. One thing I’ve noticed about poor man’s cake is how well it freezes – simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

Poor Man's Cake

Poor Man’s Cake

4.5 from 1577 votes

A simple, budget-friendly cake made without eggs, milk, or butter. It uses pantry staples like flour, sugar, and oil, and is often spiced with cinnamon and raisins.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 280 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup raisins (optional)

For the Glaze (optional)

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk or water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan lightly with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
4Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
5Pour the vegetable oil, water, vinegar, and vanilla extract into the well.
6Stir the mixture with a spoon or whisk until just combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
7Fold in the raisins if using.
8Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
9Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
10Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
11If making the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle over the warm cake.
12Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
13The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

🔧Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Toothpick for testing doneness

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 280 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 24g🥩Protein: 3g

📝Notes

For a richer flavor, you can substitute 1 cup of water with 1 cup of strong brewed coffee. The cake is also delicious with a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of the glaze.

Watch Video Of How Poor Man’s Cake Works

This poor man’s cake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It works well for family gatherings because it is simple to make and everyone loves it.

You can serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. For storage, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.

It stays fresh for up to five days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10 seconds or in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.

You can also serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a special treat. This cake is versatile and always a hit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Poor Man’s Cake

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

This recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes by adding different mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour for regular flour if you need to avoid gluten.

Q: How do I store leftover cake?

You can store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Q: What type of pan should I use to make this cake?

A 9×13 inch pan works best for this recipe.

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