Early American Graham Cracker Cake

Early American Graham Cracker Cake Recipe - A Taste of History

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Early American Graham Cracker Cake recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the wholesome goodness of graham crackers with the richness of nuts and butter. It's a simple yet delicious cake that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Graham crackers were invented in the early 19th century by Sylvester Graham, a Presbyterian minister who believed in the health benefits of a vegetarian diet. Graham flour, which is coarsely ground whole wheat flour, was used to make the crackers. Over time, graham crackers became a popular ingredient in many recipes, including this Graham Cracker Cake.

Ingredients

1.75 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 40 crackers)
0.33 cup unsifted flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup sugar
0.33 cup almonds, shelled
0.33 cup walnuts, shelled
0.5 cup soft butter
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp or 2 tsp butter
1 tbsp flour

Equipment

measuring cups
medium mixing bowl
measuring spoons
mixing spoon
chopper or paring knife
8 inches square cake pan

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Crush the graham crackers with your hands until you have 1.75 cups of coarse crumbs, similar in size to bread crumbs.
Put the cracker crumbs into a mixing bowl along with the flour, baking powder, and sugar.
Stir the ingredients together with a spoon until they are well combined.
Chop the almonds and walnuts into small pieces.
Add the soft butter, eggs, milk, vanilla, and chopped nuts to the dry ingredients.
Stir the mixture well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Then, beat the batter until it is well blended.
Grease the cake pan with butter.
Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour into the pan and shake it around until the bottom is evenly coated.
Shake out any excess flour.
Bake the cake for 45 minutes.
Test the cake with a toothpick to check for doneness.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Cut it into squares and serve warm.

Topping

You might want to sprinkle powdered sugar or spread whipped cream on top.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor.
Use different types of nuts or seeds for a unique twist.
Experiment with different toppings such as caramel sauce or fruit compote.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the graham crackers into coarse crumbs for the best texture in the cake.

- Be sure to grease and flour the cake pan to prevent sticking.

- Test the cake with a toothpick to ensure it is fully cooked before removing it from the oven.

- Feel free to customize the toppings with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or your favorite frosting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Graham Cracker Cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the batter well to ensure it is fully blended.

- Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of nuts or seeds in place of almonds and walnuts.

- Substitute margarine for butter if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

This Graham Cracker Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this Graham Cracker Cake on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Graham Cracker Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Graham Cracker Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Graham Cracker Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Graham Cracker Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Graham Cracker Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of this Graham Cracker Cake contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This Graham Cracker Cake is a good source of vitamin E from the nuts and milk used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts, dairy (butter, milk), and eggs.

Summary

This Graham Cracker Cake is a delicious dessert that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also offers some essential vitamins and minerals from the nuts and milk used in the recipe.

Summary

This Early American Graham Cracker Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With a rich, nutty flavor and a moist texture, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer afternoon, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I sifted through my old recipe box, looking for inspiration for a new dessert to make. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and stained scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a faded and tattered piece of parchment tucked away in the back of the box.

Curious, I carefully unfolded the fragile paper and read the title written in elegant script: "Early American Graham Cracker Cake." Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients and instructions, feeling a sense of excitement building within me. This was a recipe unlike any I had ever seen before, a unique and intriguing combination of flavors and textures that piqued my interest.

The recipe called for graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. It was a simple yet elegant recipe, reminiscent of a bygone era when ingredients were scarce and creativity in the kitchen was a necessity. I could almost imagine the early American settlers gathering around a rustic wooden table, eagerly anticipating a slice of this delectable cake after a hard day's work in the fields.

As I read through the recipe, my mind began to wander back to my own childhood, spent in the bustling kitchen of my grandmother's farmhouse. She was a master in the art of cooking, her hands deftly creating mouthwatering dishes that always left us begging for more. I remembered the way she would hum softly to herself as she worked, her face glowing with a sense of contentment and joy that radiated throughout the room.

My grandmother had learned the recipe for Early American Graham Cracker Cake from her own mother, who had passed it down through the generations as a cherished family heirloom. It was a recipe that held a special place in our family's history, a reminder of the strength and resilience of those who had come before us.

With a sense of determination, I set out to recreate this beloved recipe, determined to honor the legacy of my ancestors and pay tribute to the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me. I gathered the ingredients and set to work, my hands moving with a sense of purpose and reverence as I mixed and stirred, following the instructions with care and precision.

As the cake baked in the oven, the warm and comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the kitchen, wrapping me in a cocoon of nostalgia and love. I thought of my grandmother, long gone but never forgotten, and felt her presence beside me as I carried on her legacy in my own way.

When the cake was finally done, I removed it from the oven and let it cool on the counter, the golden crust glistening in the soft light of the setting sun. I sliced a piece and took a tentative bite, closing my eyes as the flavors exploded on my tongue, transporting me back in time to a simpler era when life was slower and sweeter.

I knew then that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a link to the past that would connect me to my roots and remind me of the enduring power of food to bring us together and nourish both body and soul. And as I savored each bite of that delicious Early American Graham Cracker Cake, I felt a sense of gratitude and pride in knowing that I had honored my grandmother's memory in the most delicious way possible.