Festive Gumdrop Delight Cake
This delightful Festive Gumdrop Delight Cake has been a cherished family recipe for generations. Inspired by my mother's love for baking, this moist and flavorful cake is brimming with colorful gumdrops, vibrant raisins, and a warm hint of nutmeg and cinnamon. Perfect for holidays and special gatherings, the cake boasts a delightful texture fusing the chewy gumdrops with the buttery batter. Easy to make, it’s a nostalgic treat that will impress your family and friends while creating lovely memories around the dessert table. Serve it as a centerpiece for your holiday celebrations or as a sweet surprise during winter get-togethers!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Eggs
2 (large)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (freshly grated)
Applesauce
1 1/2 cups (unsweetened)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon (dissolved in a little hot water)
Gumdrops
1 1/2 lbs (whole or small spiced)
Sugar
2 cups (granulated)
Flour
4 cups (all-purpose)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Raisins
1 cup (plump)
Nuts
1 cup (chopped (pecans or walnuts recommended))
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease and flour a bundt or angel food cake pan to ensure easy release.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure a rich texture.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the applesauce, dissolved baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Mix well until combined.
5
Gradually add the applesauce mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, stirring gently until well blended.
6
In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, and whole gumdrops with the nuts and raisins. Lightly toss together to coat the gumdrops and nuts with flour (this helps prevent them from sinking in the cake).
7
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Festive Gumdrop Delight Cake?
The Festive Gumdrop Delight Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert brimming with colorful gumdrops, raisins, and warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, often served during holidays.
What type of pan is best for this cake?
A greased and floured Bundt pan or an angel food cake pan is recommended for this recipe to ensure easy release.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
How long does it take to bake the gumdrop cake?
The cake takes approximately 1.5 hours to bake, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How do I prevent the gumdrops and nuts from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the gumdrops, nuts, and raisins with a portion of the flour before adding them to the batter; this helps them stay suspended while baking.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The butter should be softened to room temperature so it can be creamed together with the granulated sugar.
What kind of applesauce is best for this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce is recommended for this cake to balance the sweetness of the gumdrops and sugar.
Do I need to dissolve the baking soda?
Yes, the baking soda should be dissolved in a small amount of hot water before being added to the applesauce mixture.
What type of gumdrops should I use?
You can use 1.5 lbs of whole gumdrops or small spiced gumdrops depending on your preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
What kind of nuts are recommended for this cake?
Chopped pecans or walnuts are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use ground nutmeg instead of freshly grated?
Yes, you can use pre-ground nutmeg, though freshly grated nutmeg provides a more vibrant aroma.
Is it necessary to add salt to the batter?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is included to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
How long should I wait before taking the cake out of the pan?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.
What is the primary liquid base for this cake?
The liquid base is primarily composed of applesauce and eggs, which contributes to its moist texture.
Can I substitute the raisins?
If you don't like raisins, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or omit them and add extra nuts.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is this a traditional family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished family recipe passed down through generations.
Can I add vanilla extract to this cake?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add depth to the flavor.
How do I ensure the cake remains moist?
The use of applesauce and the correct baking time at 325°F help keep the cake moist.
What is the best way to fold in the dry ingredients?
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter using a spatula just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
Can I use larger gumdrops?
Yes, though you may want to cut very large gumdrops into smaller pieces for a better distribution in the batter.
Is this cake suitable for winter gatherings?
Yes, its spiced flavor profile and festive appearance make it ideal for winter get-togethers.
What size of eggs should I use?
The recipe specifies 2 large eggs.
Can I freeze Festive Gumdrop Delight Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Should I use granulated sugar or brown sugar?
This specific recipe calls for 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is it okay to use spiced gumdrops?
Yes, spiced gumdrops work very well and complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cake.
What should the texture of the creamed butter and sugar be?
It should be creamed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, you can simply omit the nuts if you have an allergy or prefer a smoother texture.
What makes this cake festive?
The combination of colorful gumdrops, warm spices, and its holiday-inspired presentation makes it festive.