The recipe for funeral cake is a classic Southern dessert made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, buttermilk, butter, eggs, and a lemon glaze topped with coconut flakes.
This recipe for funeral cake tastes very delicious because of its moist texture and tangy lemon flavor combined with sweetness.
I found the recipe for funeral cake while watching a cooking show online, which inspired me to try it. The process took about one hour from start to finish.
Now I will explain how to prepare the recipe for funeral cake step by step so anyone can enjoy making this delightful treat.
Why We Love This Recipe
This recipe for funeral cake is loved because it brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. The combination of tangy lemon glaze and sweet coconut creates a delightful balance of flavors.
The recipe for funeral cake is moist and tender, making it easy to enjoy without being too heavy. It connects people to tradition and family memories, often shared during special gatherings.
Simple ingredients come together to create something special, making this recipe for funeral cake both approachable and memorable for those who try it.
How To Prepare Recipe For Funeral Cake?
Recipe Overviews
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert / Cake
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Southern American / Traditional
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- 9×9 inch square baking pan or 8-inch round pan
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for topping
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- Juice from 1 ½ lemons
- 1 tablespoon melted and cooled butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula or whisk just until combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the cake tender.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. While the cake is baking, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.
5. When the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes all over the top using a skewer or fork. Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the hot cake so it soaks into the holes. Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the top while the glaze is still wet.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Recipe For Funeral Cake
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
Special Note
This recipe for funeral cake embraces tradition but remains flexible. If you want a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk and apple cider vinegar, and use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives.
The recipe for funeral cake holds up well for a day or two when stored in an airtight container, perfect for gatherings that last.
My Favorite Ways to Serve it Up
When I make recipe for funeral cake, I like to serve it with rich cream cheese frosting for extra creaminess. Sometimes, I add a side of fresh mango slices or pineapple chunks to balance the tangy lemon flavor.
A drizzle of warm melted chocolate can turn it into a special treat. I often enjoy it alongside a cup of strong black coffee or herbal tea to bring out the cake’s sweetness.
These pairings make the experience of eating recipe for funeral cake even more delicious and memorable.
Tips And Variations
Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the glaze to get the best tangy flavor.
- Don’t over mix the batter to keep the cake light and moist.
- Grease and flour the pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.
- Poke holes in the cake immediately after baking for the glaze to absorb fully.
- Toast the coconut flakes before topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Variations
- Add shredded zucchini or carrot for a moist, veggie-infused twist.
- Replace coconut flakes with chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
- Mix in a teaspoon of almond extract along with vanilla for a different aroma.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a fresh citrus variation.
- Add a layer of cream cheese frosting instead of the glaze for a richer cake.
How To Make With More Delicious
1. Add Spices for Warmth
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients. These warm spices deepen the flavor and evoke comforting autumn vibes, making every bite feel cozy.
2. Incorporate Dried Fruits
Fold in ½ cup of raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries along with the nuts and coconut. The natural sweetness and chewy texture from the dried fruits add a delightful contrast to the moist cake.
3. Swap the Frosting for a Pecan Caramel Drizzle
Instead of cream cheese frosting, try a homemade pecan caramel sauce drizzled over the cake. To make it, gently melt butter, brown sugar, cream, and toasted pecans together. Pour it warm over the cooled cake for an indulgent twist.
4. Use Orange Zest for a Bright Touch
Add the zest of one orange to the batter and a teaspoon of orange juice to the frosting. The citrus note brings freshness and lightens the richness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
5. Toast the Nuts and Coconut
Before adding, lightly toast the pecans or walnuts and shredded coconut in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant. This simple step enhances their nuttiness and adds a deeper aroma to the cake.
How To Store The Finished Cake
To keep your recipe for funeral cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If you need it to last longer, refrigerate it covered tightly to prevent drying out for up to 5 days. Before serving, let it come to room temperature so the frosting softens and the flavors shine.
FAQs About Funeral Cake
What makes funeral cake different from other cakes?
Funeral cake is a moist, lemon-glazed cake topped with coconut, traditionally served at Southern gatherings.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to milk can mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but texture may vary slightly.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it’s simple yet flavorful, perfect for family gatherings or celebrations.
Conclusion
Baking this recipe for funeral cake feels like more than just making dessert; it’s about honoring memories and offering a little sweetness in hard times.
The tender crumb, rich frosting, and subtle nutty texture create a comforting experience for anyone who takes a bite.
Whenever I bake this recipe for funeral cake, I feel connected to those who came before me and hopeful for the healing it brings.
If you want to bring warmth and comfort to a grieving family, I truly recommend this recipe for funeral cake. It’s simple, soulful, and a heartfelt tribute baked with love.
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Recipe For Funeral Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
- 9×9 inch square baking pan or 8-inch round pan
- Cooling rack
- Small bowl for topping
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup salted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar sifted
- Juice from 1 ½ lemons
- 1 tablespoon melted and cooled butter
- 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until evenly mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold with a spatula or whisk just until combined. Avoid over mixing to keep the cake tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter until smooth.
- When the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes all over the top using a skewer or fork. Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the hot cake so it soaks into the holes. Sprinkle the coconut flakes evenly over the top while the glaze is still wet.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Recipe For Funeral Cake
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 180mg |