Easy Preacher Cake Recipe for Everyone

Quick Overview

Preacher cake is a delightful dessert that has won the hearts of many with its rich flavors and comforting texture. This recipe blends fruits and spices into a moist cake that’s perfect for gatherings or family meals. Originating from church potlucks, preacher cake is loved for its simplicity and flavor. In this article, we will guide you through making your very own preacher cake with easy-to-follow steps.

Ingredient Breakdown

Flour

You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour to create the base of the cake. This ingredient provides structure and texture, allowing the other flavors to shine through.

Sugar

Use 1 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the mixture. This balances out the spices and enhances the overall flavor profile of your preacher cake.

Baking Powder

Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to help the cake rise. This leavening agent ensures a light and fluffy texture in every bite.

Salt

A pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) is essential to enhance the sweetness of the sugar while balancing flavors throughout the cake.

Eggs

Incorporate 3 large eggs into your batter for moisture and binding. Eggs also contribute to the fluffiness of your preacher cake.

Milk

Add 1 cup of whole milk to achieve a creamy consistency in your batter. Milk helps keep the cake moist while providing richness.

Vegetable Oil

Include 1/2 cup of vegetable oil for added moisture. This ingredient prevents dryness and gives your preacher cake a tender crumb.

Cinnamon

Use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for warmth and spice. This classic flavor complements the sweetness perfectly, making each slice irresistible.

Mixed Dried Fruits

Combine 1 cup of mixed dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates. These fruits add natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout your cake.

Step By Step Recipe: Preacher Cake

Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Properly heating your oven is crucial as it ensures even baking throughout your preacher cake, resulting in a beautifully risen dessert.

Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter. Then, lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This step helps ensure a smooth release once your cake is baked.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Mixing these dry ingredients first allows for even distribution when you add wet ingredients later on.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until smooth. Make sure there are no lumps remaining as this will create a well-mixed batter that bakes evenly in the oven.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently with a spatula. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to a dense texture in your preacher cake.

Fold in Dried Fruits

Gently fold in mixed dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This adds bursts of flavor and texture within each slice of your delicious preacher cake.

Pour Batter into Pan

Carefully pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan so that it bakes uniformly without any areas left undercooked or overcooked.

Bake Your Cake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end; every oven varies slightly!

Cool Before Serving

Once done baking, remove your preacher cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Cooling helps firm up the texture before slicing into squares or rectangles.

Serving and Storing Tips

How to Serve

Cut your cooled preacher cake into squares or rectangles for serving at gatherings or family events. You can enjoy it plain or with whipped cream on top for an extra treat!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them where they can stay fresh for up to a week.

Freezing Options

If you want to freeze any remaining portions, wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap followed by foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored this way for up to three months without losing their delightful taste!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this scrumptious preacher cake! Happy baking!

Tips and tricks

When making Preacher Cake, use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Ingredients like butter, eggs, and milk blend more easily at room temperature, promoting a smoother batter. This results in an evenly baked cake with a tender crumb.

Consider adding nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor and texture in your Preacher Cake. Chopped walnuts or pecans can add crunch, while raisins or dried cranberries introduce sweetness. Just be sure not to overload the batter; keep it balanced for optimal results.

Don’t rush the cooling process; patience pays off in baking. After taking your Preacher Cake out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents sticking and helps maintain its shape while cooling completely.

Suggestions for Preacher Cake

Pair your Preacher Cake with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas for added freshness and color on the plate. The acidity from the fruit balances out the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful contrast that enhances every bite.

Consider serving slices of Preacher Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top. This addition provides creaminess and richness that complements the dense texture of the cake beautifully, making it an indulgent treat.

For an even more festive presentation, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice before serving. The sweet sauce adds additional flavor while elevating visual appeal, making your Preacher Cake look as wonderful as it tastes.

If you want to store leftovers, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices; simply thaw them at room temperature before enjoying again.

You could also experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into your batter for additional warmth and flavor depth in your Preacher Cake recipe. These spices pair excellently with sweet cakes and add complexity without overwhelming other flavors.

 

Summary

In summary, mastering how to create delicious Preacher Cake involves avoiding common mistakes like overmixing or using stale ingredients while implementing helpful tips such as using room temperature items and experimenting with various frostings will enhance overall enjoyment tremendously! With proper storage methods outlined above included along suggestions for pairing options too—your baking endeavors shall yield delightful results every time!

 

Print