texas cowboy cake
My family's history in Texas goes back to the 1850s, and this recipe has been a family holiday favorite for generations. It primarily contains only ingredients a ranch would have readily available. It's the perfect "non-fruitcake lovers" fruitcake! *Current update: I asked my Aunt Mary (my dad's cousin) where my grandmother received this recipe. It came to her from her cousin, Jennie Morrow Decker. Jennie was the oldest surviving employee of Exxon Corporation and the youngest grandchild of General Sam Houston!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Turn EVERY day into a holiday with this wonderful Texas cowboy cake... a true celebration of family and flavor! Baked in a loaf pan, this is more of a delicious bread than a cake. Filled with warm spices, it's chewy, nutty, and moist. There are bits of dates and raisins for a touch of sweetness. Chopped pecans inside and whole pecans on top add a bit of crunch. So good, you may find yourself sneaking a piece every morning.
Ingredients
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon cloves, ground
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup strong brewed coffee
- 1 box raisins (15 oz.)
- 1 box dates, chopped (8 oz.)
- 3/4 cup butter
- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup pecans, halved
- 2 tablespoons bourbon or rum (optional)
How To Make texas cowboy cake
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Step 1Combine the first eight ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a low boil while stirring continually. -
Step 2Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes. Remove to cool.
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Step 3Sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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Step 4Once cooled to lukewarm, slowly stir the liquid spice/fruit mixture into the dry ingredients.
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Step 5Fold in chopped pecans.
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Step 6Pour into two large well-greased loaf pans. Arrange pecan halves in a decorative pattern on the top of the loaves.
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Step 7Bake 1 hour at 300 degrees.
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Step 8With a brush, gently apply a coat of corn syrup over the cakes. (A few tablespoons of bourbon or rum may be added to the corn syrup.)
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Step 9Continue baking for one hour, or until a toothpick come out of the cakes cleanly. Cool. For an adult dessert, a few tablespoons of bourbon or rum can be poured on each slice prior to serving.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
