Craving a taste of the South? Dive into the delightful world of Louisiana Crunch Cake. This classic Southern treat, inspired by Entenmann’s crunch cake, offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Picture a soft and moist yellow cake drizzled with a tangy vanilla lemon glaze and topped with crunchy coconut flakes for that extra oomph.
For those who love the convenience of cake mixes but crave a homemade touch, this recipe strikes the perfect balance. While some may wonder about the inclusion of nuts or the use of cake mix, rest assured, this Louisiana Crunch Cake recipe keeps it simple and nut-free. With ingredients at room temperature and a few easy steps, you’ll soon be savoring a rich and tender cake that’s ideal for any occasion.
Whether served at a cozy brunch or enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee, this Louisiana Crunch Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Stay tuned for the full recipe to bring a taste of the South straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients
In Louisiana Crunch Cake, the blend of ingredients creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Here’s what you need to create this classic Southern treat:
For the Cake
- Cake flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Lemon and vanilla extracts
- Buttermilk
For the Crunch Coating
- Sugar
- Coconut flakes
- Confectioners sugar
- Coconut extract
- Milk
These ingredients work together to bring out the rich and tender essence of Louisiana Crunch Cake.
Equipment Needed
Baking Tools
For this Louisiana Crunch Cake recipe, you’ll need essential baking tools to ensure a successful baking experience. Make sure you have the following:
- Large tube pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Stay prepared with these necessary baking tools to create a delicious Louisiana Crunch Cake that your family will love.
Directions
Prep the Coating and Pan
- Mix the coating ingredients, including sugar and coconut, in a small bowl. This will be used to coat the bottom and sides of a sprayed tube pan for that delightful crunch.
- Toss the coating mixture around the pan, ensuring it covers all surfaces evenly.
Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Combine extracts and buttermilk in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the mixer, alternating with the wet ingredients, until well combined.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 325F until deep golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving platter.
- Once the cake has cooled, prepare the glaze using confectioners sugar, coconut extract, and milk.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake for that final touch of sweetness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the experience of enjoying your Louisiana Crunch Cake, here are some delightful serving suggestions:
1. Fresh Fruit Pairing:
Serve slices of Louisiana Crunch Cake with a side of fresh seasonal fruits like sliced strawberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries. The fruity flavors complement the sweet coconut and tangy lemon glaze of the cake, offering a refreshing balance to each bite.
2. Whipped Cream Topping:
Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each slice of Louisiana Crunch Cake. The lightness of the whipped cream adds a creamy element to the cake’s texture, creating a decadent combination that will surely impress your taste buds.
3. Ice Cream Indulgence:
For a more indulgent treat, serve the Louisiana Crunch Cake with a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors that will make every bite a true delight.
4. Coffee or Tea Pairing:
Enjoy a slice of Louisiana Crunch Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cake will complement the aromatic notes of your beverage, making it a perfect pairing for a cozy afternoon treat or a sweet end to a delicious meal.
5. Garnish with Toasted Coconut:
For an extra touch of crunch and flavor, sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the cake slices before serving. The toasted coconut adds an additional layer of nuttiness and texture, elevating the overall experience of enjoying your Louisiana Crunch Cake.
Try out these serving suggestions to elevate the presentation and taste of your Louisiana Crunch Cake, making every bite a memorable and delightful experience.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing in advance and storing your Louisiana Crunch Cake properly can help maintain its freshness and flavor. Here are some handy tips for refrigerating and freezing this delightful dessert:
Refrigerating
To preserve your Louisiana Crunch Cake for a day or two, store it covered at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake in an airtight container, ensuring it comes to room temperature before serving. Be cautious, as refrigeration can potentially dry out the cake.
Freezing
You have the option to freeze the Louisiana Crunch Cake with or without the glaze. If freezing with the glaze, place the cooled cake or individual slices on a rimmed baking sheet until the glaze is frozen solid (approximately 2-3 hours). Subsequently, wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. If you choose to freeze the cake without the glaze, skip the initial freezing step. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Louisiana Crunch Cake recipes offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to impress any dessert lover. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can easily create a nut-free Southern treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to a special meal, this cake is versatile and delicious. Remember to use the recommended baking tools and consider the various serving suggestions to elevate the experience. With tips on storage and freshness, you can enjoy this cake for days to come. Try your hand at making this Louisiana Crunch Cake and treat yourself to a taste of Southern charm.