Festive Gumdrop Loaf Cake
This delightful Festive Gumdrop Loaf Cake is a beloved holiday treat that’s sure to brighten any gathering. Inspired by the traditional fruitcake but with a twist that’s sure to please even fruitcake skeptics, this recipe combines vibrant gumdrops and crunchy nuts with a moist, flavorful base. Once a cherished gift for school teachers, this loaf cake embodies the spirit of the holidays, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family. Serve it warm with a cup of holiday spice tea or enjoy it cold as a sweet snack. It’s a festive addition to your holiday dessert table, and its cheerful colors will bring a smile to everyone’s face!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (sifted)
gumdrops
2 lbs (cut into quarters (no black))
chopped nuts
2 cups (none)
shortening
1 cup (softened)
eggs
2 (beaten)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (dissolved in hot water)
hot water
1 tablespoon (none)
applesauce
1 1/2 cups (none)
white sugar
3/4 cup (none)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pans by greasing them or lining them with parchment paper.
2
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the hot water and set aside.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the dissolved baking soda and salt, mixing until combined.
5
5. In another bowl, sift 1 cup of flour over the chopped gumdrops, tossing to coat them. This helps prevent the gumdrops from sinking in the batter.
6
6. Add the coated gumdrops and chopped nuts to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until evenly distributed.
7
7. Gradually add the remaining flour to the mixture, alternating with the applesauce, starting and ending with the flour. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
8
8. Divide the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
9
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10
10. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11
11. Slice and serve warm or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Gumdrop Loaf Cake?
It is a colorful holiday treat that combines gumdrops and nuts in a moist, flavorful loaf cake base.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by traditional fruitcake but modified with gumdrops to appeal to fruitcake skeptics.
How many gumdrops do I need for this cake?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of gumdrops.
Are there any specific gumdrop flavors to avoid?
Yes, the recipe recommends using no black gumdrops, as they are typically licorice flavored.
How should the gumdrops be prepared?
The gumdrops should be cut into quarters and tossed in 1 cup of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
Why do I need to coat the gumdrops in flour?
Coating the gumdrops in flour helps distribute them evenly and prevents them from sinking during the baking process.
How many nuts are required for this recipe?
You will need 2 cups of chopped nuts.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the Festive Gumdrop Loaf Cake bake?
The cake typically takes about 1 hour to bake.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
What role does applesauce play in this recipe?
Applesauce provides moisture and a smooth texture to the loaf cake.
How many eggs are used in the batter?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
How should the baking soda be added?
The baking soda should be dissolved in 1 tablespoon of hot water before being mixed into the batter.
What types of sugar are used?
The cake uses 3/4 cup of white sugar and 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
Do I need to grease the loaf pans?
Yes, you should grease the pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
Is vanilla extract included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How should the flour be added to the mixture?
The remaining flour should be added gradually, alternating with the applesauce, starting and ending with the flour.
Can I serve this cake warm?
Yes, it is delicious served warm or cold as a sweet snack.
How should the cake be stored?
The cake should be stored in an airtight container to maintain its moisture.
What makes this cake a good holiday gift?
Its festive colors and traditional history as a teacher's gift make it a thoughtful holiday present.
What is the best way to cool the cake?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What kind of shortening is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of softened shortening.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is the flour sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 cups of sifted flour.
When should the nuts be added?
Add the chopped nuts along with the coated gumdrops to the creamed mixture.
How many loaf pans does this recipe require?
The recipe instructions mention dividing batter into pans, typically yielding two loaves.
What beverage pairs well with this cake?
It pairs perfectly with a cup of holiday spice tea.
Does this cake contain fiber?
While not specified in the data, the inclusion of 2 cups of nuts provides some dietary fiber.
Is this recipe easy to share?
Yes, it is designed for sharing with friends and family during holiday gatherings.
What texture can I expect from this loaf cake?
Expect a moist and crunchy texture due to the combination of applesauce, shortening, and nuts.