Description
Enjoy a taste of 18th-century Election Day with this traditional Election Cake recipe, a spiced yeast cake filled with dried fruits and nuts. This revised version combines warm buttermilk, fragrant spices, and a tender buttery dough, baked in a bundt pan and topped with a smooth apple juice glaze. It’s a perfect historical treat with modern flair.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ¾ cup buttermilk, warm (110℉)
- 2 packages active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar, firmly packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 tablespoons butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
- 2 cups dried fruit (a mix of dark and golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or preferred dried fruit)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Icing
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Generously butter a 10-inch bundt pan or spray with baking spray, making sure all crevices are coated to prevent sticking.
- Activate yeast: Warm the buttermilk until about 110℉, then pour into a mixing bowl or stand mixer bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix wet ingredients: Stir in the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is combined.
- Add dry ingredients and fruit: Add flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, salt, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and dried fruit to the wet mixture.
- Knead the dough: Add softened butter and using a dough hook if available, knead the dough until smooth and butter is incorporated, about 6 minutes. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 hour in a warm place.
- Shape and second rise: Transfer the risen dough into the prepared bundt pan. Cover it and let rise again for 1½ hours or until slightly risen.
- Preheat oven: While the dough is rising, preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃).
- Bake the cake: Bake the cake for 40 to 55 minutes, depending on your pan size. Test doneness by inserting a cake tester or toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack or serving platter and cool completely.
- Prepare and drizzle icing: Whisk together powdered sugar, apple juice, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more apple juice or water if needed. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake and serve.
Notes
- Dried fruit options: The recipe favors a mix of dark/golden raisins, dried cranberries, and dried cherries, but dried figs or any preferred dried fruit can be used.
- Storing: Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, best consumed within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
