Quick and Easy Wine Cake

My Grandma W used to make what she called a "sherry cake". I have fond memories of sitting around her little kitchen table in the summertime waiting for her bundt cake to come out of the oven. I can picture the summer light filtering through her kitchen curtains, the little table covered with a bright tablecloth. Though I am not a fan of sherry, the smell of the cake while being made was wonderful and the finished product delectable. Not too sweet, the cake was moist and had a great flavor that wasn't very "alcoholic".

Though I have thought of that cake off and on for years it wasn't until I was cleaning out the liquor cabinet the other day that I decided I needed to make Grams cake. Years ago I had bought a cookbook, The California Wine Country Cookbook, which I knew had a cake similar to the one my grandma made.

I realize this is a "semi-homemade" kinda cake since it uses a packaged cake mix. Don't dismiss it because of that. I searched online and found many different "sherry cake" recipes, all basically like the one in the book. Prepackaged cake mix, box of pudding, oil and sherry. Some used corn oil, some had an icing (I think my Grandmas had an icing, I'll have to ask her for the next time). I found several recipes that were the exact same recipe as this except for a different liquor was used, such as rum.

The final product has a wonderful flavor. It's also very easy to transport which makes it a great cake to serve without utensils, to take to potlucks, or to wrap pieces of to sell at bake sales. Moist without being sticky which I like. I did add powdered sugar to the top but it would have been fine without. Simple. Basic. Quick and Easy. Would work well for a nice brunch, tea party or just a nice cake to have after a summer meal.

The recipe asked for "cocktail sherry" which I'm not sure is the best stuff. The only sherry I had in the cabinet was a bottle of Fairbanks Medium Dry Sherry which turns out to be cocktail sherry. Worked for me. I believe my Gram used to use Cream Sherry. The recipe also asks for a 4 1/2 oz box of pudding...the small boxes these days are 3.5 oz., the large 5.1 oz, so I just threw in the entire contents of the large box.

This is my entry into the "Family Recipes: Memories of Family Food and Fun" event hosted by The Life and Loves of Grumpy's Honeybunch. It's an event where you post family recipes from your mother, your grandmother, your daughter, your aunt...pretty much from anyone that brings back a memory of family, food or fun. Check out the Grumpy Honeybunch's blog for wonderful recipes too. I have many recipes from my Mom that I hope to contribute to future events.

QUICK AND EASY WINE CAKE

1 package yellow cake mix
1 4 1/2 ounce package instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
3/4 cup oil
3/4 cup Grey Riesling or Cocktail Sherry
1 teaspoon nutmeg

Combine all ingredients, mix with electric beater about 5 minutes, at medium speed. Pour batter into greased bundt cake pan and bake in 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until done.

This recipe came from Jeani Martini from Martini & Prati Wines. Jeani pairs this cake with their Fountain Grove Grey Riesling. I don't think the winery or the wine is around anymore.

Note: I used Fairbanks Medium Dry Sherry. I used Duncan Hines Butter Recipe Golden Moist Deluxe cake mix. I used Pam Baking Spray. I used a full 5.1 ounce box of Jell-O Vanilla Pudding.

Note: I baked this in the "Anniversary Bundt Pan" from Williams Sonoma. It gives a great look to the final cake. You could dress up this simple cake by putting flowers in the center or maybe fresh raspberriess, strawberries, blueberries...and then maybe serve with a raspberry puree...yep, endless possibilities.

Note: I questioned the "five minutes beating" but I checked other recipes which also said the same thing and it worked out fine.

Note: The cake "settled" after sitting for five minutes in the pan so don't be surprised that it deflates quite a bit on you.

Note: A lot of recipes call for a simple glaze made with powdered sugar, water etc. I just dusted some powdered sugar on once the cake cooled (be sure to let the cake cool before dusting with powdered sugar or you'll have a mess).

Comments

[HoneyB]

Thanks for participating in our event! I have made the rum cake before and love it. I've also made it with Irish Cream liquor. I like how simple your cake looks and the picture is perfect!

[Jude]

Got this recipe that uses marsala wine and olive oil and it just wouldn't work for me. I think I'll try out your recipe instead.

[Carolyn Jung]

This reminds me of my aunt's Harvey Wallbanger cake that she used to bring to holiday dinners. It was a moist bundt cake just like this, with orange juice and some sort of liquor in it. And dang, was it good!

[Mom]

I don't remember eating this cake although I know I must have. Your Grandma is a good cook and always had special recipes.

[Sophia]

quick and easy, but I can just imagine the depths of flavor in there!

[emiglia]

Haha! I'll take that hug, fellow stress-bucket! Hope things are doing ok since the kitty passed away... I know what that's like.

I've been wanting to try all these "semi-homemade" cakes that have been making their way around the blogiverse, but we don't have cake mix here! Guess I'll be baking up a storm when I hit the States this summer...

[Blond Duck]

Grandma's cakes are always the best, whether you have cake mix or not!

[Mrs. L]

Honey B - Oh I bet this would taste fantastic with Bailey's Irish Cream (which I have two bottles of just needing to be used!)

Jude - Let me know how the cake works for you. I have several recipes for olive oil cake which I hope to try too.

Carolyn - I remember Harvey Wallbanger cakes, oh man that was ages ago. I think my mom made one once.

Mom - I think I'll be making this often and trying different alcohol so you'll be sure to get some.

Sophia - It was surprising nice considering it was a cake mix and just a few ingredients.

Emiglia - We will get you some cake mixes! Just so you can try this cake!

Blond Duck - Thanks. I always feel guilty when I use a cake mix, but it's GRAMS cake so there was no other choice :)

[Jeanette]

A cake with wine as an ingredient??? Sounds like my kinda cake!!!

[Mrs. L]

Jeanette - You need to try it, and let me know if you use different liquors!

[Goldilocks Bakery]

Wow! i am so hungry good you shared this yummy.

reign

[Bizu Philippines]

I got it too thank you so much for that ingredients will certainly doing this on my own love it. :)

vee

[Jordan 1]

Moderate drinking good for you! Alcohol on the body is hurt more than big! We should take good care of your body! Thank you for your suggestions! You're a good person

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