How to Make a Delicious Muscadine Cake with Fresh Grapes

Hello, Good News! If you are looking for a simple and tasty dessert that will impress your family and friends, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will show you how to make a muscadine cake with fresh grapes from scratch. Muscadine cake is a moist and flavorful cake that uses muscadine grapes, a native American fruit that grows in the southeastern United States. Muscadine grapes have a thick skin and a sweet and tangy pulp that adds a unique flavor and texture to the cake. Muscadine cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a birthday, a picnic, or a holiday celebration.

But before we get to the recipe, let us tell you more about muscadine grapes and why they are so special. Muscadine grapes are not only delicious, but also nutritious and beneficial for your health. They are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, resveratrol, and other phytochemicals that can protect your cells from damage, lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and prevent some diseases. Muscadine grapes also have a long and fascinating history in America, dating back to the 16th century when Spanish explorers first encountered them in Florida. Since then, muscadine grapes have been cultivated and enjoyed by Native Americans, colonists, and modern-day Americans alike. Muscadine grapes are truly America’s first grape and a national treasure.

What You Need to Make a Muscadine Cake

Ingredients

To make a muscadine cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix
• 1 box of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 cups of white muscadine juice (you can use store-bought or homemade juice)
• 2 cups of fresh muscadine grapes (you can use any variety, but we recommend using bronze or light-colored grapes for a better contrast)
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons of white muscadine juice (for the glaze)

Equipment

To make a muscadine cake, you will need the following equipment:

• A large mixing bowl
• An electric mixer
• A measuring cup and spoons
• A 13 x 9 inch cake pan
• A cooking spray or oil
• A toothpick or a skewer
• A small saucepan
• A wire rack
• A small whisk or a fork

How to Make a Muscadine Cake Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pan

The first step to make a muscadine cake is to preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and prepare your cake pan. Spray your cake pan with cooking spray or lightly grease it with oil. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and make it easier to remove later.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

The next step is to mix the cake batter. In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, pudding mix, butter, eggs, and 1 1/4 cups of muscadine juice. Beat the mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 4 minutes, or until well combined and smooth. The batter should be thick and creamy.

Step 3: Pour the Batter into the Cake Pan and Add the Grapes

The third step is to pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Then, wash and dry your muscadine grapes and cut them in half. Remove any seeds if you prefer. Sprinkle the grape halves over the top of the batter, pressing them lightly into the surface. You can arrange them in any pattern you like, or just scatter them randomly.

Step 4: Bake the Cake for 40 to 50 Minutes

The fourth step is to bake the cake for 40 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick or a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and spring back when touched lightly. Be careful not to overbake the cake, as it may become dry.

Step 5: Make the Glaze and Drizzle It over the Cake

The final step is to make the glaze and drizzle it over the cake. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the powdered sugar and 4 tablespoons of muscadine juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and thin. You can adjust the consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Then, poke some holes on the top of the cake with a toothpick or a skewer. This will help the glaze soak into the cake and make it more moist and flavorful. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, covering it as much as you like. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

A Table Breakdown of Muscadine Cake Nutrition Facts

Muscadine cake is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed by everyone. However, if you are curious about how many calories, fat, carbs, and other nutrients are in a slice of muscadine cake, here is a table breakdown of the nutrition facts per serving (based on 16 servings per cake):

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FAQs about Muscadine Cake

If you have any questions about muscadine cake, you may find the answers in this section. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about muscadine cake and their answers:

What is the difference between muscadine and scuppernong grapes?

Muscadine and scuppernong are both types of grapes that belong to the same species, Vitis rotundifolia. However, muscadine is the general term for all varieties of this species, while scuppernong is a specific variety of muscadine that has a greenish or bronze color. Scuppernong is also the name of the first cultivated muscadine vine in North Carolina. Therefore, all scuppernongs are muscadines, but not all muscadines are scuppernongs.

Can I use red or purple muscadine grapes for the cake?

Yes, you can use any color of muscadine grapes for the cake, as long as they are ripe and sweet. However, using red or purple muscadine grapes will change the color and appearance of the cake, making it darker and less contrasted with the glaze. You may also need to adjust the amount of sugar in the batter and the glaze, depending on how sweet or tart your grapes are.

Can I use frozen or canned muscadine grapes or juice for the cake?

Yes, you can use frozen or canned muscadine grapes or juice for the cake, if you cannot find fresh ones. However, you may need to thaw and drain the frozen grapes before using them, as they may release excess water when baked. You may also need to reduce the amount of juice in the batter and the glaze, as frozen or canned juice may be more concentrated than fresh juice. You should also check the ingredients and nutrition facts of the frozen or canned products, as they may contain added sugar, preservatives, or other additives that may affect the taste and quality of the cake.

How do I make homemade muscadine juice?

To make homemade muscadine juice, you will need about 4 pounds of fresh muscadine grapes, a large pot, a colander, a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, a large bowl, and a jar or a bottle. Here are the steps to make homemade muscadine juice:

1. Wash and stem your muscadine grapes and place them in a large pot. Add enough water to barely cover them and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the grapes burst and release their juice.
3. Place a colander over a large bowl and pour the grape mixture into it. Press down on the grapes with a spoon or a potato masher to extract more juice.
4. Discard the skins and seeds in the colander and transfer the juice to a jar or a bottle. You can strain the juice through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer if you want to remove any pulp or sediment.
5. Refrigerate the juice until ready to use. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.

How do I store and serve muscadine cake?

To store muscadine cake, you can keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To serve muscadine cake, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature, or warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven. You can also top it with whipped cream, ice cream, or more fresh grapes if you like.

What are some variations of muscadine cake?

If you want to try some variations of muscadine cake, here are some ideas:

• You can add some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the glaze for some crunch and extra flavor.
• You can add some spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom, to the batter or the glaze for some warmth and aroma.
• You can replace some of the butter with applesauce or yogurt for a lower-fat version of the cake.
• You can use other types of cake mix or pudding mix, such as lemon, chocolate, or coconut, for different flavors of the cake.
• You can use other types of fruit juice or fresh fruits, such as blueberry, cranberry, or peach, for different flavors and colors of the cake.

What are some health benefits of muscadine grapes?

Muscadine grapes are not only delicious, but also nutritious and beneficial for your health. Here are some of the health benefits of muscadine grapes:

• They are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, resveratrol, and other phytochemicals that can protect your cells from damage, lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and prevent some diseases.
• They are high in fiber, which can help your digestion, lower your blood sugar, and keep you feeling full longer.
• They are low in calories and fat, which can help you maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity.
• They are a good source of vitamin C, which can boost your immune system, support your skin health, and fight infections.
• They are a good source of potassium, which can regulate your blood pressure, balance your electrolytes, and support your nerve and muscle function.

What are some other ways to use muscadine grapes?

If you have some leftover muscadine grapes or juice, or if you want to try some other ways to use them, here are some suggestions:

• You can make muscadine jam, jelly, or preserves by cooking the grapes with sugar and pectin. You can spread them on toast, biscuits, or muffins, or use them as a filling for pies, tarts, or cakes.
• You can make muscadine wine by fermenting the grapes with yeast and sugar. You can enjoy it as a beverage or use it as a cooking ingredient for sauces, marinades, or desserts.
• You can make muscadine vinegar by adding a starter culture to the muscadine wine and letting it age for several weeks. You can use it as a salad dressing, a condiment, or a cleaning agent.
• You can make muscadine sorbet by blending the grapes with sugar and water and freezing them in an ice cream maker. You can serve it as a refreshing dessert or a palate cleanser.
• You can make muscadine salsa by chopping the grapes with onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. You can serve it with tortilla chips, tacos, or grilled meat or fish.

Where can I buy muscadine grapes or juice?

Muscadine grapes are usually available from late summer to early fall in the southeastern United States. You can find them at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, grocery stores, or online. You can also grow your own muscadine vines in your backyard if you have the right climate and soil conditions. Muscadine juice is also available at some specialty stores or online. You can also order it directly from some muscadine farms or wineries.

How do I choose and store muscadine grapes?

To choose muscadine grapes, look for ones that are plump, firm, and free of bruises or mold. They should have a smooth and shiny skin that ranges from green to purple depending on the variety. They should also have a sweet and fruity aroma. To store muscadine grapes, keep them in a plastic bag or a container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 6 months. Wash them well before using them.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed this article about how to make a muscadine cake with fresh grapes. Muscadine cake is a simple and tasty dessert that uses muscadine grapes, America’s first grape and a national treasure. Muscadine cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it is a birthday, a picnic, or a holiday celebration. Muscadine cake is also nutritious and beneficial for your health, as muscadine grapes are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, resveratrol, and other phytochemicals that can protect your cells from damage, lower your cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and prevent some diseases. Muscadine cake is truly a delicious way to enjoy this amazing fruit.

If you liked this article about how to make a muscadine cake with fresh grapes, please share it with your friends and family on social media. Also, don’t forget to check out our other articles about muscadines and other topics that may interest you. Thank you for reading and happy baking!

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	269	13%
Fat	10 g	15%
Saturated Fat	4 g	20%
Cholesterol	54 mg	18%
Sodium	354 mg	15%
Carbohydrates	41 g	14%
Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugar	26 g	N/A
Protein	3 g	6%