Hickory nut cake
Hickory nut cake is a rich, dense, and moist dessert, traditionally made with hickory nuts, flour, sugar, and eggs. It hails from the Appalachian region of the United States, where foraging for wild hickory nuts is a seasonal tradition. The cake often has a rustic, homemade quality, sometimes incorporating ingredients like buttermilk or spices for added depth.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This cake is typically high in fat and carbohydrates, with the hickory nuts providing a good source of healthy unsaturated fats and some plant-based protein. A single serving offers a significant energy boost, with a rough calorie ballpark of 350-450 kcal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
| Manganese | 1.2 mg |
| Copper | 0.4 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Phosphorus | 110 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.8 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
| Zinc | 1.0 mg |
Per 1 slice (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
What makes hickory nut cake culturally unique is its deep connection to Appalachian foraging traditions and seasonal harvests. Nutritionally, hickory nuts are a standout ingredient, being exceptionally high in antioxidants and healthy fats compared to more common baking nuts like walnuts or pecans.
