Description
Experience a delicious slice of history with this traditional Election Cake recipe, an 18th-century spiced yeast cake featuring warm spices, dried fruits, and a sweet apple juice glaze. Revised for modern kitchens, this moist and flavorful cake brings the festive spirit of Election Day to your table with its rich aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves combined with tender pecans and a luscious icing.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups 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 or substitute your preferred nut)
Icing Ingredients
- 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 it with baking spray, making sure to coat all crevices thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Activate Yeast: Warm the buttermilk on the stovetop or microwave until it reaches about 110°F. Pour the warm buttermilk into the bowl of a stand mixer or mixing bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast evenly over the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes foamy and bubbly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast is active, stir in the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined to create a smooth mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Fruit: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and dried fruit to the wet mixture. Stir to start combining the ingredients.
- Knead Dough with Butter: Add the softened butter to the dough. Using a dough hook attachment on the mixer, knead the dough until the butter is fully incorporated and the dough becomes smooth and elastic, usually about 6 minutes.
- First Rise: Cover the dough bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
- Second Rise in Pan: Transfer the risen dough into the prepared bundt pan. Cover the pan and allow the dough to rise again in a warm spot for about 1½ hours, or until it has puffed up slightly.
- Preheat Oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 40 to 55 minutes, depending on your pan size. The cake is done when a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Cool the Cake: Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack or serving platter and allow it to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, apple juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more apple juice or water until you achieve a runny but opaque glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: When the cake is fully cooled, pour the icing evenly over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy this festive spiced Election Cake.
Notes
- Dried Fruit: Use your favorite dried fruits such as a mix of dark and golden raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or chopped dried figs for authenticity and flavor variety.
- Storing: Leftover cake should be covered and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, though it tastes best within 24 hours of baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American