When you think of cake, savory and sweet may not usually come to mind, but the New Dill Pickle Cake is here to change that perception! This unique dessert offers an intriguing and delicious twist on traditional cake recipes. With a perfect combination of moistness from the cake and the tangy flavors of dill pickles, this cake is an adventure for the taste buds. Topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a delightful contrast that is sure to impress both family and friends. Whether you’re an adventurous eater or just looking to try something new, this Dill Pickle Cake is a must-have for your dessert table!
The bold flavors and moist texture make it not only tasty but also visually appealing as a showstopper at any gathering. Inspired by the classic combination of sweet and tangy, this cake highlights the unexpected allure of dill, making it a conversation starter at parties. The addition of nuts gives a delicious crunch, while the optional fresh dill in the frosting adds a lovely aromatic touch. Everyone is bound to be amazed by the surprising flavor profile of this cake that beautifully blends sweetness with savory notes.
Why You’ll Love This New Dill Pickle Cake
- Unique Flavor: Experience a delightful blend of sweetness and tanginess.
- Moist & Fluffy: Enjoy a cake that remains exceptionally moist, thanks to the pickles and oil.
- Perfect for Adventures: A great way to intrigue guests who love to try new things.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Frosting: Customize the frosting sweetness to your liking!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start baking your New Dill Pickle Cake, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment. You’ll also want to line and grease two 8-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking while the cake rises and bakes to perfection.
When it comes to baking tools, you’ll need a mixer for creaming the butter and sugar, a whisk for blending the dry ingredients, and measuring cups for precise quantities of your ingredients. A spatula will be helpful for combining everything without overmixing, and a toothpick or cake tester is essential for checking the doneness. Don’t forget to have a wire rack handy for cooling the cakes after they come out of the oven!
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or avocado oil
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles (drained but moist)
- ¼ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for a savory kick)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Oven & Pans
Start your adventure by prepping your oven and cake pans. Set the oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take two 8-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper; then, lightly grease the insides. This preparation ensures that your Dill Pickle Cake comes out easily once baked.
Step 2: Cream Together Butter & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream these ingredients together until they’re light and fluffy—a process that helps create a delightful texture in your cake. Once fluffy, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and finally, incorporate the vanilla extract. This mixture provides the flavorful foundation for your cake.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Whisking helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the flour, ensuring your cake rises uniformly. Set this mixture aside while you combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Step 4: Merge Wet & Dry Mixtures
Gradually add about one-third of the dry ingredients to your butter-sugar-egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Then, introduce the finely chopped dill pickles and the dill pickle juice; this is where your cake gets its unique flavor! Stir this in until it’s just mixed, then add another one-third of the dry mixture. If you decide to include nuts, fold them in now. Finally, add the last of the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy. Avoid overmixing for the best results.
Step 5: Fold in Fresh Dill (Optional)
If you want to enhance your cake with fresh herbs, gently fold in the chopped fresh dill at this stage. This step adds a fresh flavor that complements the dill pickles beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Your Cake
Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Frosting
While the cakes cool, you can prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat until smooth and creamy, then add in dill pickle juice and sugar to taste. Continue to whip until your frosting is light and fluffy, making it the perfect topping for your cake.
Step 8: Frost & Serve
Once your cakes are completely cool, it’s time to frost them! Spread a layer of your delicious cream cheese frosting between the two cake layers, and then frost the top and sides of the cakes. For an added touch, you can sprinkle some chopped pickles or fresh dill sprigs on top of the frosted cake before serving. This unique Dill Pickle Cake is now ready to impress everyone!
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Mix in grated zucchini for added moisture and texture.
- Spices: Consider adding paprika or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Cooking Notes
- Always ensure your eggs are at room temperature; this helps the ingredients meld better.
- Choose high-quality pickles for the best flavor burst in your cake.
- Refrigerate the cake to enhance the flavors and make slicing easier, if preferred.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Tips
- Experiment with different nuts to find your preferred crunch factor in the cake.
- If you don’t like creamy frostings, try a lighter whipped cream topping instead.
- Adjust the sweetness of your frosting by adding sugar gradually until it reaches your desired taste.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
- Protein: 4g per slice
- Sodium: 250mg per slice
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Frost it just before serving for optimal freshness.
What do dill pickles add to the cake?
Dill pickles contribute moisture, flavor, and an unexpected tang that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. However, make sure it contains a binding agent for texture.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I’m lactose intolerant?
You can use vegan cream cheese or a dairy-free frosting recipe to keep the flavors while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
The New Dill Pickle Cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that captures adventurous flavors in a delightful way. Embrace the unexpected combination of savory and sweet, and you’ll surely impress your guests with this unique creation. Don’t be afraid to try different variations and make it your own! We encourage you to get in the kitchen, enjoy the process, and share your delightful creations. Have fun with it and don’t forget to come back and tell us how it turned out for you!
Print
New Dill Pickle Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
The New Dill Pickle Cake is a unique dessert that beautifully blends sweetness and tanginess with the unexpected flavor of dill pickles.
Ingredients
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or avocado oil
- 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles (drained but moist)
- ¼ cup dill pickle juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional, for a savory kick)
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven & Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, lightly greasing the insides.
- Cream Together Butter & Sugar: In a bowl, cream the softened butter, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well. Incorporate vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder.
- Merge Wet & Dry Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently. Stir in chopped dill pickles and dill pickle juice.
- Fold in Fresh Dill (Optional): If desired, fold in chopped fresh dill.
- Bake Your Cake: Divide batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Make the Frosting: Beat together softened cream cheese and butter, adding dill pickle juice and sugar to taste until fluffy.
- Frost & Serve: Frost between layers and on top and sides of cakes, adding chopped pickles or fresh dill for garnish, if desired.
Notes
This cake is a delightful experience that pairs sweetness with savory notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per slice
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 4 g