Golden Harvest Cake

Golden Harvest Cake Recipe - Vegetarian Food from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Golden Harvest Cake is a delicious and moist cake that is perfect for the fall season. Made with butternut squash, apples, raisins, and pecans, this cake is bursting with flavor and perfect for any special occasion.

History

The Golden Harvest Cake recipe has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a traditional recipe that is often made during the fall when butternut squash and apples are in season. The combination of these ingredients creates a unique and flavorful cake that is loved by many.

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) softened butter
1.5 cups dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups cooked butternut squash, puréed
2 cups finely diced raw green apple
2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
2.5 tsp baking soda
2.5 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp salt
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped pecans

Pecan Praline Frosting

1 cup dark brown sugar
0.5 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups confectioner's sugar
2 cups coarsely chopped pecans plus
1 cup pecan halves for garnish, if desired

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Butter and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
To make the Golden Harvest Cake, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and beat for 2 minutes. Add the puréed squash and apple, and mix thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Sift together and add to the butter mixture in 4 separate batches. Fold in the raisins and chopped pecans.
Bake the cake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Meanwhile, to make the Pecan Praline Frosting, place the brown sugar and heavy cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Set aside to cool to warm, but do not stir. Place the frosting in a bowl and beat in confectioner's sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches a spreading consistency. Fold in the chopped nuts, saving the pecan halves to place decoratively around the top of the cake.
Place the bottom cake layer on a plate and spread frosting on it, letting the frosting drizzle down the sides of the cake. Repeat with the remaining two layers. Alternatively, frost each cake layer on both sides and the top. If the frosting begins to harden, dip the spatula into warm water to make it easier to spread.

Variations

Add a teaspoon of nutmeg or cloves for a spicier flavor.
Substitute walnuts or almonds for the pecans for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly cream the butter and sugar to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Be sure to fold in the raisins and chopped pecans gently to avoid overmixing the batter.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Golden Harvest Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly cream the butter and sugar for a light and fluffy texture.

- Fold in the dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing the batter.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash for a similar flavor.

- Substitute dried cranberries for the raisins for a tart twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bake the cake layers ahead of time and freeze them until ready to assemble and frost.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with pecan halves and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Golden Harvest Cake with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of apple cider for a cozy fall dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Golden Harvest Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Golden Harvest Cake contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Golden Harvest Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Golden Harvest Cake contains approximately 18 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Golden Harvest Cake contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Golden Harvest Cake is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium due to the butternut squash and apples used in the recipe.

Alergens

Golden Harvest Cake contains nuts (pecans) and dairy (butter, cream), so it may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Golden Harvest Cake is a delicious dessert option that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Golden Harvest Cake. It was a brisk autumn day, the leaves were starting to change colors and there was a crispness in the air that signaled the arrival of the harvest season. I was visiting my dear friend Sarah, who was known for her delicious baked goods.

As I entered her cozy kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg filled the air, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation of what was to come. Sarah greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, knowing that I was always eager to learn new recipes. She handed me a worn, stained recipe card and said, "This is my grandmother's recipe for Golden Harvest Cake. It's been passed down through generations and is a family favorite. I think you'll love it."

I eagerly scanned the ingredients list and instructions, taking in the sweet scent of apples and spices. The recipe called for fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves, all mixed together with flour, sugar, and eggs to create a moist and flavorful cake. The finishing touch was a drizzle of caramel glaze that added a touch of sweetness to each bite.

Sarah watched as I read through the recipe, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. I could see the love and pride she had for this family recipe, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it for myself. With Sarah's guidance, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following the recipe step by step.

As the cake baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of warm spices and apples. Sarah and I chatted and laughed as we waited for the cake to finish baking, sharing stories of our families and the memories we had of baking together. Finally, the timer dinged, and we eagerly pulled the cake out of the oven, the top golden brown and the caramel glaze glistening in the light.

I couldn't wait to taste the Golden Harvest Cake, and as Sarah sliced into it, the warm, sweet scent of apples and spices filled the air. The first bite was pure heaven – moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. The apples added a touch of sweetness and the spices added depth and warmth to each bite. The caramel glaze tied everything together, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.

As I savored each bite of the Golden Harvest Cake, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in my own family. I thanked Sarah for sharing her grandmother's recipe with me, knowing that it would be passed down through generations just as it had been in her family.

From that day on, Golden Harvest Cake became a staple in my own kitchen, a delicious reminder of the joys of the harvest season and the warmth of friendship. I continued to bake it for family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions, each time remembering the day I learned the recipe from Sarah and the love and tradition that went into every bite.

And so, the recipe for Golden Harvest Cake became a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a symbol of the beauty and bounty of the harvest season, and a reminder of the love and friendship that surrounds us every day.