Funeral Cake Recipe is a rich, moist chocolate cake filled with shredded apples, cinnamon, and nuts, topped with warm cocoa frosting and toasted pecans.
This Funeral Cake Recipe tastes incredibly delicious, comforting, and deeply satisfying. I decided to make this Funeral Cake Recipe after seeing it prepared at a Southern gathering in a documentary.
The texture and flavor inspired me to recreate it. The main specialty of this Funeral Cake Recipe lies in its combination of warm spices, fruit, and chocolate.
I will now show up and show step by step how to make this traditional dessert Funeral Cake Recipe.
Why This Funeral Cake Recipe Is The Only One You’ll Need?
This Funeral Cake Recipe is special due to its combination of rich chocolate, warm spices, and fresh apples, creating a moist and flavorful dessert.
The creamy frosting topped with toasted pecans adds a delightful crunch and depth. Using simple, everyday ingredients, it comes together easily and consistently delivers delicious results.
It’s comforting taste and Southern tradition make it a trusted choice for gatherings and meaningful occasions.
This Funeral Cake Recipe satisfies both chocolate lovers and those who appreciate a home baked, flavorful treat.
How To Prepare Funeral Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American (Southern inspired)
Yield: 16 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2–3)
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- Box grater (for apples)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For The Cake:
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups shredded apples
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For The Frosting & Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 6 tablespoons milk
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat The Oven
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so the cake won’t stick.
2. Make The Cocoa Base
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in ½ cup of cocoa powder. Once that’s smooth, slowly pour in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring constantly. When everything’s well mixed and smooth, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix The Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
4. Combine Cocoa And Dry Mix
Pour the warm (not hot) cocoa mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until it all comes together. Don’t beat it just mix until blended.
5. Add The Buttermilk Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg, ½ cup of buttermilk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Add that to the batter and stir everything until it’s smooth.
6. Fold In Apples And Nuts
Now, gently fold in the shredded apples and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts. Mix just enough to spread them evenly through the batter.
7. Bake The Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.
8. Let It Cool Slightly
Take the cake out of the oven and place it on a wire rack. Leave it in the pan while you make the frosting.
9. Make The Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter. Stir in ¼ cup of cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons of milk. Heat it gently, stirring until smooth.
10. Finish The Frosting
Remove from the heat and whisk in 3½ cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
11. Frost The Warm Cake
Pour the warm frosting over the still-warm cake. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans on top.
12. Let It Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool all the way before slicing. Serve when ready and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts Of Funeral Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Sugars | 24 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Best Variations For Funeral Cake Recipe
➣ Use pecans instead of walnuts inside the cake for a richer nutty flavor.
➣ Add a splash of strong coffee to the batter to deepen the chocolate taste.
➣ Mix in shredded coconut for added texture and a tropical twist.
➣ Substitute shredded carrots for apples to create a carrot-chocolate version.
➣ Replace the cocoa frosting with cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweet cake.
Secrets To Perfect Funeral Cake Recipe
➢ Use fresh, crisp apples that are shredded finely to add moisture and subtle sweetness.
➢ Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon to enhance the flavor depth.
➢ Toast pecans before adding them to the frosting for extra crunch and aroma.
➢ Melt the butter and cocoa together carefully to create a smooth, rich chocolate base.
➢ Let the cake cool slightly before frosting to ensure the icing spreads evenly without melting.
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
2. Pair the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
3. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
4. Garnish each slice with fresh berries for a pop of color.
5. Serve alongside a glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
Proper Storage Funeral Cake Recipe
Funeral Cake Recipe should be stored in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. If not eaten within two days, refrigerate the cake to extend its shelf life.
Before serving, bring it to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. The frosting helps seal in moisture, but refrigeration prevents spoilage.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them. Thaw frozen pieces overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gives Funeral Cake Its Moist Texture?
The shredded apples add moisture and tenderness to the cake.
Can I Use Regular Milk Instead Of Buttermilk?
Yes, add 1 teaspoon of vinegar to milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to substitute buttermilk.
Can Nuts Be Omitted?
Yes, but nuts add crunch and flavour, so leaving them out will change the texture.
Is This Cake Gluten Free?
This recipe uses all purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free unless a gluten-free flour substitute is used.
Can The Frosting Be Made Ahead?
Yes, the frosting can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, then brought to room temperature before use.
Conclusion
I enjoyed making this Funeral Cake Recipe because it was easy and turned out deliciously successful. The flavors blended perfectly, creating a moist and comforting dessert that everyone loved.
I hope this simple Funeral Cake Recipe inspires you to try it yourself. Now that you have the steps, you’ll be able to make it soon.
When you do, please share how delicious it turned out I’m excited to hear about your tasty success!
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Funeral Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan so the cake won’t stick.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over medium heat. Stir in ½ cup of cocoa powder. Once that’s smooth, slowly pour in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring constantly. When everything’s well mixed and smooth, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sugar, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
- Pour the warm (not hot) cocoa mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until it all comes together. Don’t beat it just mix until blended.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1 beaten egg, ½ cup of buttermilk, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Add that to the batter and stir everything until it’s smooth.
- Now, gently fold in the shredded apples and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts. Mix just enough to spread them evenly through the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the middle comes out clean.
- Take the cake out of the oven and place it on a wire rack. Leave it in the pan while you make the frosting.
- In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of butter. Stir in ¼ cup of cocoa powder and 6 tablespoons of milk. Heat it gently, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in 3½ cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the frosting is creamy and smooth.
- Pour the warm frosting over the still-warm cake. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans on top.
- Allow the cake to cool all the way before slicing. Serve when ready and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260 kcal | Fat: 13 g | Carbohydrates: 32 g | Sugars: 24 g | Protein: 3 g | Sodium: 150 mg“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”