A Potato Cake (no Yeast Required) Recipe

History and Fun Facts:

Potato cake is a unique and delicious dessert that has a rich history. Although potato-based cakes might sound unusual to some, they have actually been enjoyed for centuries. The origin of potato cakes can be traced back to Ireland, where potatoes have been a staple of the diet for generations.

Potato cakes gained popularity during times of food scarcity when ingredients such as butter and eggs were scarce or expensive. Potatoes were readily available and provided a cheap alternative for baking. This led to the creation of various potato-based recipes, including potato cakes.

Interestingly, potatoes are not only used in savory dishes but also in desserts. They add moisture, texture, and a subtle flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake. The combination of the sweet ingredients along with the unique inclusion of mashed potatoes creates a moist and tender texture that sets this cake apart.

Recipe:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sugar.
- 1/2 cup of lard and butter, mixed.
- Yolk of 2 eggs.
- 1/2 cup pulverized cocoa.
- 1/2 cup of cold, creamed mashed potatoes.
- A little ground cinnamon and grated nutmeg.
- A few drops of essence of vanilla.
- 1/4 cup of sweet milk.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped nut meats.
- 1 teaspoonful of baking powder sifted with one cup of flour.
- The stiffly beaten whites of the eggs.
- White icing for decoration.

Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two round cake pans by greasing them lightly.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and lard/butter mixture until well combined.
3. Add the yolks of two eggs and continue to mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the pulverized cocoa, creamed mashed potatoes, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, vanilla essence, and sweet milk. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients.
5. Stir in the finely chopped nut meats.
6. In a separate bowl, sift the baking powder and flour together.
7. Gradually add the sifted flour mixture into the batter, alternating with the stiffly beaten whites of the eggs. Start and finish with the flour mixture, and gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a dense cake.
8. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread white icing on top of one of the cakes and place the second cake on top, creating a layer cake.
12. Optionally, you can decorate the top of the cake with more icing, nuts, or any other desired toppings.

Enjoy this delicious and unusual potato cake!

Similar Recipe Dishes:

If you enjoyed this potato cake recipe, you might also like to explore other unique and interesting dessert recipes that incorporate unexpected ingredients. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Carrot Cake: Carrots might seem like an unlikely ingredient for a cake, but they add moisture and natural sweetness. The combination of grated carrots, spices, and creamy cream cheese frosting creates a delicious and moist cake.

2. Beetroot Chocolate Cake: Beetroots are often used in savory dishes, but they can also be a surprising addition to chocolate cake. The natural sweetness and vibrant color of beetroots elevate the taste and appearance of the cake.

3. Zucchini Bread: Zucchini might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about baking, but it adds moisture and a lovely texture to bread. This recipe combines grated zucchini, cinnamon, and other spices for a flavorful loaf.

4. Avocado Brownies: Avocado is known for its creamy texture and healthy fats. You can use mashed avocado as a substitute for butter or oil in brownie recipes. The result is a fudgy, moist, and guilt-free chocolate treat.

Exploring unique and unexpected ingredients in baking can lead to delightful surprises and open up a whole new world of flavors and textures. So don't be afraid to get creative and try out these unconventional dessert recipes. Happy baking!