Celebrate with Sweetness: Mexican Wedding Cake Recipe
Are you ready to add a touch of sweetness to your celebrations? Get ready to indulge in the delectable flavors of our Mexican Wedding Cake! This beloved dessert, also known as “Mexican Wedding Cookies” or “Russian Tea Cakes,” is a delightful treat that’s perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. With its buttery pecan flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this cake will have your guests dancing with delight. So let’s dust off our aprons and dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 16 oz crushed pineapple with juice
For the Frosting:
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), softened
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, white sugar, eggs, baking soda, salt, chopped pecans, and crushed pineapple with its juice. Stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting: While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. You can leave it as is or garnish with additional chopped pecans for added texture.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve it up to your eager guests. Watch as they delight in each bite of this heavenly dessert!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Citrus Zest: Add a pop of citrus flavor by incorporating the zest of a lemon or orange into the cake batter.
- Nutty Twist: Substitute the pecans with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios for a different flavor profile.
- Boozy Infusion: For an adult twist, add a splash of rum or amaretto to the frosting for an extra layer of flavor.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, you can still enjoy the deliciousness of Mexican Wedding Cake with these simple substitutions:
- Keto Version: Replace the white sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of the regular flour, and opt for a powdered sugar alternative for the frosting. Be sure to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
- Low-Carb Version: Reduce the amount of sugar used in the cake batter and frosting, and choose a low-carb fruit option such as berries or diced peaches instead of crushed pineapple. You can also use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to keep the carb count low.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! This cake can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Mexican Wedding Cake?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the cake either frosted or unfrosted. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of crushed pineapple?
A: While fresh pineapple can be used, crushed pineapple with its juice adds moisture and flavor to the cake. If using fresh pineapple, you may need to adjust the liquid content of the batter accordingly.
Q: Is there a vegan version of this cake?
A: Yes, you can make a vegan version of Mexican Wedding Cake by using plant-based alternatives for the eggs, cream cheese, and butter. Additionally, use a vegan powdered sugar or make your own by blending granulated sugar with cornstarch.
With its irresistible combination of flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture, our Mexican Wedding Cake is sure to be the highlight of any celebration. Whether you’re exchanging vows, ringing in the new year, or simply craving a sweet treat, this cake is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So gather your loved ones, slice into this heavenly dessert, and let the festivities begin!