This Hartford Election Cake combines colonial tradition with modern clarity, featuring rich spices, chopped candied pineapple, toasted pecans, and a generous blend of raisins and currants. Originally served during early American elections and community events, it’s a historic cake built to feed a crowd and leave a lasting impression. The sherry adds a subtle depth, and stiffly beaten egg whites create a tender crumb, balancing richness with a light finish.
Ingredients
- ⅓ lb butter or margarine ( or margarine)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp grated nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup milk
- 6 egg yolks (reserve whites)
- 4 cups flour
- ½ lb currants (about 1¼ cups)
- 1 lb raisins (about 2½ cups)
- 2½ cups pecans (chopped)
- ⅓ cup sherry
- 2 tsp cream of tartar
- 6 egg whites (beaten stiff)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 17 x 11½ x 2½-inch pan or line with parchment.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add grated nutmeg and stir to combine.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Dissolve baking soda in the milk. Stir into the butter mixture. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fruits
- In a separate bowl, sift the flour. Toss currants, raisins, and chopped pecans with a portion of the flour to coat.
Step 5: Incorporate Fruit and Sherry
- Gradually fold the fruit-flour mixture and sherry into the batter.
Step 6: Final Flour Addition
- Sift remaining flour with cream of tartar and stir into the batter.
Step 7: Fold in Egg Whites
- Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into the batter until fully incorporated.
Step 8: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 90 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when touched.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool completely. Optionally top with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Replace raisins with dried cherries, cranberries, or currants for a brighter fruit flavor.
- Add ½ tsp more nutmeg or cinnamon for a warmer spice profile.
- Substitute brandy or rum for the sherry for a more traditional 1800s flavor.
- Fold nuts more gently to keep the cake airy and prevent deflating the whipped egg whites.
- Allow the cake to rest overnight, flavors deepen dramatically.
- For a festive touch, glaze with an orange or sherry icing.
- Bake in two loaf pans instead of one large pan for easier slicing.
- Add candied citrus peel to make it closer to historical election cakes.
- If batter browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Calories: 273kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 246mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 199IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg
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