Five Flavor Cake

The Watkins Five Flavor Cake: A Timeless Classic That Packs a Flavor Punch

When it comes to desserts that have stood the test of time, the Watkins Five Flavor Cake is a true gem. Whether you're baking for a family gathering, a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress. It combines five distinct flavors into one moist, delicious cake, creating a flavor profile that is both complex and comforting. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes the Watkins Five Flavor Cake so unique and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.


The Origins of the Watkins Five Flavor CakeThe Watkins brand, known for its wide variety of quality ingredients, has been a staple in kitchens across America for over 150 years. Founded in 1868 by J.R. Watkins in Winona, Minnesota, the company has been providing premium extracts, spices, and baking ingredients ever since. The Watkins Five Flavor Cake, as the name suggests, uses five of the company's signature extracts, each contributing its own special taste to the cake.


The combination of these flavors—lemon, orange, almond, coconut, and butter—may seem unconventional, but the magic happens when they come together. Each extract is carefully balanced, offering a rich, fragrant, and perfectly sweet flavor that is the hallmark of this cake. It’s a classic example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.


What Makes the Watkins Five Flavor Cake So Special?The key to the Watkins Five Flavor Cake’s unique flavor profile lies in its combination of extracts. Let’s break down the individual ingredients:

• Lemon: Adds a fresh, zesty brightness to the cake, cutting through the sweetness and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Orange: Infuses the cake with a hint of citrus that complements the lemon, giving the cake a light and fruity aroma.
• Almond: Brings a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to the overall taste, balancing out the sharper citrus notes.
• Coconut: Introduces a tropical sweetness, enhancing the cake’s moist texture and giving it a slight chewiness that is simply irresistible.
• Butter: Adds a smooth, creamy richness that ties all the other flavors together, making the cake tender and indulgent.

Together, these five flavors create a symphony of taste that is both bold and refined. The cake is aromatic, with each flavor coming through distinctly yet harmoniously. Whether you’re a fan of fruity cakes or prefer something a bit richer, the Watkins Five Flavor Cake strikes a perfect balance.

The Perfect Cake for Any Occasion

What makes this cake even more appealing is its versatility. The Watkins Five Flavor Cake is perfect for:

• Holiday celebrations: Its beautiful, rich flavor makes it ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter gatherings.
• Birthday parties: The cake’s unique taste will surely delight your guests, and it’s a great alternative to traditional birthday cakes.
• Afternoon tea: Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious, indulgent treat during your mid-afternoon break.
• Potlucks and family gatherings: Its bold, diverse flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to share with a group.

One of the best things about this cake is that it’s not just tasty; it also has a wonderful texture. The cake is moist, thanks to the combination of extracts, and it holds up well whether served at room temperature or chilled.

SHOP FOR INGREDIENTS

The Famous Watkins Five Flavor Cake​

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 1 cup/250 mL (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup/125 mL vegetable shortening
• 3 cups/750 mL sugar
• 5 eggs, beaten until lemon-colored
• 3 cups/750 mL all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL baking powder
• 1 cup/250 mL milk
• 1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Coconut Extract
• 1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Rum Extract
• 1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Butter Extract
• 1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Organic Pure Lemon Extract
• 1 tsp/5 mL Watkins Organic Pure Vanilla Extract

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup/125 mL sugar
• 1/4 cup/60 mL water
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Coconut Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Rum Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Butter Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Organic Pure Lemon Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Organic Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Organic Pure Almond Extract

Directions
Cake: Cream together the butter, shortening, and sugar in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and beat until smooth. In small bowl, combine flour and baking powder; mix well and set aside. Combine milk and extracts. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with milk mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Spoon mixture into a greased 10-inch/25-cm tube (angel food cake) pan. Bake at 325°F/165ºC for 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 hours or until cake tests done. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Turn cake out of pan onto wire rack, invert again. Place waxed paper under rack to catch glaze drippings. Slowly spoon glaze onto top of hot cake and let glaze drizzle down sides of cake. Let cool completely.


Glaze: Combine all ingredients in heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved.
Makes 12 servings.

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