American Cake - Cake #20: George Washington Carver's Peanut Cake

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Time Period: 1917-1945

George Washington Carver is synonymous with peanuts, and I need only the barest of excuses to put peanuts or peanut butter into a dessert. Carver is justifiably hailed for elevating the peanut to hero status, demonstrating how they could revive soil, and be used to make oil, soap, medicine, insecticide, coffee, cookies, candy, and cake. He not only improved the Southern economy, but the health and diet of struggling black families. 

 

I decided to make this one for Tiddy's birthday, and it's got quite the ingredient list. 2 sticks of butter! A full 2 cups of molasses! Half a jar of peanuts! It made so much batter, I was concerned that the mixer would overflow. It turned out pretty well; the molasses and spices make it reminiscent of gingerbread, but being packed with peanuts gives it a much earthier flavor that improved over time. It won't top the list of favorites from this project, but I could easily see myself making it again, and there are certainly worse ways to honor an American hero.

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