Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake Recipe

I always start my breakfast with a cup of coffee and a soft sweet treat.

I think a good treat can make your whole day good. I love having different sweet treats with my morning coffee.

This time I tried to make the morning cake recipe for breakfast. After taking the first bite, I became speechless. The cake was not too sweet but had a balanced flavor, soft and delicious. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee.

Then my thinking was, who says you can’t enjoy cake for breakfast? After that, this Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake Recipe has become a regular breakfast with my coffee.

Brenda Gantt is a beloved Southern cook who has won hearts with her simple, homestyle recipes. Her Good Morning Cake is a spiced breakfast cake that fills your kitchen with amazing smells.

You can find this Gantt’s Good Morning Cake Recipe on page 37 of her third cookbook. The cake has warm spices like cinnamon and cloves that make it perfect for busy mornings.

Is Cake Good For Breakfast

You might wonder if cake is a good breakfast choice. A typical frosted layer cake is more of a dessert. But a good morning cake is different. It is more like a quick bread or a muffin.

This cake is less sweet and often includes spices that pair well with coffee. Having a small slice with a balanced breakfast is a nice way to treat yourself. It is about joy and comfort.

The Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake is designed for this very purpose. It is a humble, satisfying bake that turns an ordinary morning into something a little more special.

Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake Ingredients

• Granulated Sugar (1 cup): This white sugar adds sweetness to balance the warm spices. You can reduce it to 3/4 cup for less sweetness. Coconut sugar works as a substitute but will change the color slightly.
• Brown Sugar (1 cup): Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper flavor to the cake. Light brown sugar works best, but dark brown sugar creates a richer taste. You can use packed brown sugar or loose brown sugar.
• Self-Rising Flour (2 cups): Self-rising flour has baking powder already mixed in. This makes the cake rise properly. You can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon salt to 2 cups all-purpose flour.
• Ground Cloves (1 teaspoon): Cloves give this cake its special warm flavor. This spice is strong, so measure carefully. You can use 1/2 teaspoon for a milder taste. Fresh ground cloves work better than old ones.
• Ground Cinnamon (2 tablespoons): Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness to the cake. Use Ceylon cinnamon for the best flavor. You can reduce to 1 tablespoon for less spice. Make sure your cinnamon is fresh for the best taste.
• Eggs (4 large): Room temperature eggs mix better into the batter. Eggs add structure and richness to the cake. You can use 3 extra-large eggs as a substitute. Cold eggs work but may not mix as smoothly.
• Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Oil keeps the cake moist and tender. Canola oil or melted butter work as substitutes. Coconut oil adds a slight coconut flavor. Measure oil in a liquid measuring cup.
• Pecans (1 cup, chopped): Pecans add crunch and nutty flavor to the cake. You can use walnuts or skip nuts completely. Toast the pecans lightly for extra flavor. Chop them into small pieces for even distribution.

Recommended Equipment

1. Large mixing bowl – For combining dry ingredients
2. Medium mixing bowl – For wet ingredients
3. 9×13 baking dish – Or cast iron skillet
4. Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
5. Wire whisk – For mixing batter smoothly
6. Rubber spatula – For folding ingredients together
7. Toothpick or skewer – For testing doneness

How To Make Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake

Step 1 | Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking from the moment you put the cake in. Grease your 9×13 baking dish or cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2 | Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine both sugars—granulated and brown sugar. Add the self-rising flour and mix until evenly combined with no lumps.

Step 3 | Add the Spices

Add the ground cloves and cinnamon to the flour mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the warm spices throughout the flour. You should smell the aroma as you mix.

Step 4 | Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and lightly beat them. Add the vegetable oil and whisk until smooth and slightly thick.

Step 5 | Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until the flour disappears. Do not overmix – the batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 6 | Add the Pecans

Fold in the chopped pecans with gentle motions, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7 | Transfer to the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top and pushing the batter into all corners.

Step 8 | Bake the Cake

Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when touched. Avoid opening the oven for the first 25 minutes.

Step 9 | Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro-Tips for the Best Good Morning Cake

• Room Temperature Eggs: For a smoother batter, use eggs that are not cold from the fridge. Let them sit out for 30 minutes before you start.
• Toast Your Nuts: Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the batter. This makes them crispier and more flavorful.
• Check Early: All ovens are different. Start checking your cake for doneness at 25 minutes.

What to Serve with this Good Morning Cake

Serve slices with a hot cup of coffee, a mug of tea, or a glass of cold milk for a simple start.

Add fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries on the side for a bright note and some fresh juice for a fuller plate. A soft-boiled egg or Greek yogurt can add protein and balance the meal.

For guests, place small bowls of butter, jam, and a light orange glaze so guests can choose. A thin cream cheese icing with orange zest pairs well and brings a fresh flavor.

Offer napkins and small plates for a cozy morning table that feels ready and warm.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the dry mix ahead by combining sugars, flour, and spices in a sealed container up to two days before. Store it in a cool, dry spot.

When ready, just add eggs, oil, and nuts, then bake fresh.

For fully baked cake, make it one day early. Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic or foil to keep moisture in. This lets flavors meld for better taste next morning.

Storage and Reheating Guide

How to Store: Keep any leftover cake in its baking dish covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also place slices in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat: The cake is good at room temperature, but it is amazing warm. To reheat a single slice, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat it for 10-15 seconds.

For a larger piece, you can warm it in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will make it taste fresh-baked and soft again.

Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake Recipe FAQs

1. How to tell when the cake is done?

Use a toothpick or skewer in the center. When it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should spring back gently to the touch.

For thicker pans or doubled batter, the center may need a few more minutes. Let the cake cool for ten minutes in the pan before testing to avoid a false soft center.

2. Why did my cake turn out dry?

Dry cake usually happens from overbaking or using too much flour. Check your oven temperature with a thermometer since many ovens run hot. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling, not scooping directly from the bag. Also, don’t open the oven door too early as this can cause uneven baking and dryness.

3. Why does my cake stick to the pan?

Cake sticking usually means inadequate pan preparation. Always grease your pan well with butter or cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour.

For cast iron pans, make sure they’re well-seasoned. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

4. Can I use a different pan size?

A 9×13 dish or skillet works best for even baking. For smaller portions, halve the recipe and use an 8×8 pan, reducing time to 20-25 minutes. Layers in round pans need 20 minutes each. Grease well to prevent sticking.

Continue to Content

Brenda Gantt's Good Morning Cake Recipe

Yield: 12 servings (9x13 pan, cut into 12 slices)

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Brenda Gantt's Good Morning Cake Recipe is a warm spiced breakfast cake with cinnamon and pecans, perfect with coffee for a comforting start.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
• 2 cups self-rising flour (or 2 cups all-purpose + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt)
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola, coconut oil, or melted butter)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional, or substitute with walnuts)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking from the moment you put the cake in. Grease your 9x13 baking dish or cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine both sugars—granulated and brown sugar. Add the self-rising flour and mix until evenly combined with no lumps.
3. Add the ground cloves and cinnamon to the flour mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the warm spices throughout the flour. You should smell the aroma as you mix.
4. In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and lightly beat them. Add the vegetable oil and whisk until smooth and slightly thick.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a rubber spatula until the flour disappears. Do not overmix—the batter should be thick but pourable.
6. Fold in the chopped pecans with gentle motions, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread evenly with a spatula, smoothing the top and pushing the batter into all corners.
8. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when touched. Avoid opening the oven for the first 25 minutes.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: (per serving, approx. 1 slice out of 12)
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 383Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 200mgCarbohydrates: 48gFiber: 2gSugar: 29gProtein: 5g

This Brenda Gantt’s Good Morning Cake Recipe brings warmth and joy to any breakfast table. The perfect blend of spices and tender texture makes every morning feel special.

Try this beloved recipe and create your own wonderful breakfast memories.