This Milky Way Cake from Vintage Recipe Box 037 is a delicious blend of nostalgia and indulgence. The recipe features eight Milky Way candy bars, making it a rich and sweet dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or when craving something decadent. Milky Way candy bars, first introduced by the Mars company in 1923, have long been a favorite treat, and incorporating them into a cake is a fun and creative way to enjoy their caramel and chocolate goodness in a new form.
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The Sweet History of Milky Way Candy Bars
Milky Way candy bars have a fascinating history, rooted in the early 20th century when candy was evolving into the popular form of confections we know today. Introduced by the Mars company in 1923, the Milky Way bar was the first filled candy bar and quickly became a hit due to its unique combination of nougat, caramel, and chocolate. The Milky Way bar’s popularity led to variations and the creation of other beloved Mars products like Snickers and 3 Musketeers. The original Milky Way bar was modeled after a popular milkshake flavor, which was a favorite treat during the Roaring Twenties. The concept was to create a candy bar that captured the rich and creamy taste of a malted milk drink. Incorporating this iconic candy into a cake highlights its lasting appeal and demonstrates how creative home bakers have been using popular candies in their desserts for decades.
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Timeline of Milky Way and the Evolution of Candy-Based Desserts
- 1923: Milky Way candy bars are introduced by the Mars company, becoming the first commercially successful filled chocolate bar.
- 1930s-1950s: The popularity of Milky Way bars grows, leading to the creation of other Mars products, including Snickers and 3 Musketeers.
- 1970s-1980s: Candy bar cakes and desserts become increasingly popular, with recipes like Milky Way Cake appearing in cookbooks and recipe cards across America.
- 1990s: The trend of using candy in baking continues, with more variations of candy-based desserts emerging, solidifying these recipes as a staple in American baking culture.
Baking the Milky Way Cake: A Sweet Journey
This Milky Way Cake is a delightful way to incorporate your favorite candy bar into a homemade dessert. The recipe calls for eight Milky Way candy bars, which are melted down with margarine to create a smooth, chocolatey base that infuses the entire cake with rich flavor. The batter is made with buttermilk, which adds a slight tang and helps to keep the cake moist and tender. Pecans are also added for a bit of crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the smooth, soft texture of the cake. Once baked, the cake is allowed to cool in the pan, giving it time to set and develop its full flavor. This cake is perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts, and it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Tips for Preparing the Perfect Milky Way Cake
- Melt the Candy Bars Slowly: When melting the Milky Way bars with margarine, be sure to do so over low heat to prevent burning. Stir constantly until you achieve a smooth mixture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your eggs, buttermilk, and margarine are at room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother batter and ensure even baking.
- Cooling the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least an hour before removing it. This helps the cake set properly and makes it easier to handle.
Explore other Vintage Cake Recipes to find your next favorite and don’t forget to check out our Vintage Dessert Recipes!
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Milky Way Cake
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- 10-Inch Tube Pan: A good tube pan is essential for baking this cake evenly. The central tube allows heat to reach the center of the cake, ensuring it cooks through.
- Heavy-Duty Saucepan: A reliable, heavy-bottomed saucepan is crucial for melting the candy bars and margarine without scorching the chocolate.
- Stand Mixer: A stand mixer with a paddle attachment is ideal for achieving a fluffy and well-mixed batter, though a hand mixer can work in a pinch.
Serving Suggestions for Milky Way Cake
- Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: The cake’s richness pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, balancing the sweetness with a creamy contrast.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Garnish with Extra Pecans: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top of the cake or around the plate.
Check out our vintage frosting and vintage icing recipes for the perfect finishing touch on your desserts!
A Deliciously Sweet Ending
This Milky Way Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of nostalgia and the enduring love for candy bars in American baking. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of melted Milky Way bars, buttermilk, and pecans creates a cake that’s both decadent and delightful, perfect for any chocolate lover.
Milky Way Cake Recipe
Milky Way Cake
Ingredients
- 8 x 1 7/8-oz MIlky Way candy bars
- ½ cup margarine, melted
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup margarine, softened
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1¼ cups buttermilk
- ½ tsp. baking soda
- 3 cups flour
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine the candy bars and melted margarine in a sauce pan; stir over low heat until the candy has melted; then cool.
- Cream the sugar and softened margarine until fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla.
- Combine buttermilk and soda; add to creamed mixture alternating with flour, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the candy bar mixture and pecans.
- Pour batter in a greased and floured 10" tube pan.
- Bake at 325° for 1 hour, 20 minutes.
- Let cool in pan for 1 hour.
Kathy Bradshaw
Friday 7th of April 2023
I have been baking this Milkyway Cake for thirty years. This recipe has been passed down though our family. Thank you for sharing it here.