5 Classic Old Virginia Dessert Recipes You Must Try

The rich culinary tradition of Virginia spans centuries, with each region contributing its unique flavors to create a tapestry of delightful Southern cuisine. Among these are some irresistible old Virginia desserts, many of which are steeped in history and nostalgia. These desserts not only offer a taste of the past but also showcase the resourcefulness of Virginian cooks. Here are five classic old Virginia dessert recipes you simply must try:

Virginia Pound Cake

The pound cake, with its rich, dense texture, has deep roots in Virginia’s colonial kitchens. Its name comes from the traditional recipe that called for a pound each of butter, eggs, sugar, and flour. This classic dessert remains a beloved treat:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb of butter, room temperature
  • 1 lb of sugar
  • 1 lb of all-purpose flour
  • 10 large eggs
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt
• Steps:
  1. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Sift flour with salt, then incorporate into the batter alternately with vanilla extract.
  4. Transfer to a greased loaf pan or bundt pan.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

🍰 Note: For an authentic Virginia taste, use fresh, locally sourced eggs which will impart a rich flavor to your cake.

Sally Lunn

Sally Lunn is less of a cake and more of a cross between a bread and a cake, perfect for serving warm with butter or clotted cream. Here’s how to make this historic Virginia delight:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp of salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup of milk
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of butter, melted
  • 2 tsp of baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp of lemon extract
• Steps:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sift together flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and lemon extract.
  4. Mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients to form a batter.
  5. Pour into a well-greased 9-inch cast iron skillet or cake pan.
  6. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden on top.

Peach Cobbler

Virginia’s bountiful orchards produce some of the sweetest peaches in the country, making peach cobbler a summer favorite. This dessert features layers of peaches with a crisp, sweet topping:

• Ingredients:
  • 8-10 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
  • 1 ¹⁄₂ cups of granulated sugar, divided
  • ¹⁄₂ tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp of salt
  • 1 tsp of baking powder
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of milk
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of boiling water
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine peaches with 1 cup sugar and cinnamon, let sit for 30 minutes to draw out juice.
  3. Meanwhile, mix flour, ¹⁄₂ cup sugar, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
  4. Add melted butter and milk to make the topping batter.
  5. Pour peaches into a baking dish, pour topping over peaches.
  6. Drizzle boiling water over the topping to moisten.
  7. Bake for about 45-60 minutes or until the topping is browned and crispy.

Apple Stack Cake

Originally from the Appalachian region, apple stack cake involves layering dough with a homemade applesauce filling, reflecting the frontier spirit of using available resources:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups of self-rising flour
  • 2 cups of light brown sugar
  • 1 cup of shortening or butter
  • 1 tsp of baking soda
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₄ tsp of ground nutmeg
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of buttermilk
  • 4-5 cups of dried apples, simmered with water to make applesauce
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar for applesauce
• Steps:
  1. Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
  2. Cut in the shortening until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
  3. Add buttermilk and form into a dough.
  4. Divide dough into 6-8 equal parts.
  5. Roll each part into a thin circle and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes.
  6. Make the applesauce by simmering dried apples with water and sugar until thick.
  7. Layer baked rounds with applesauce, ending with applesauce on top.
  8. Allow to sit overnight for flavors to meld.

Virginia Peanut Pie

Virginia is known for its peanuts, and this decadent pie is a tribute to the state’s agricultural heritage:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 (9-inch) pie crust, unbaked
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of flour
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of milk
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup of chopped roasted peanuts
• Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Whisk eggs, then mix in sugars, melted butter, flour, milk, and vanilla.
  3. Stir in peanuts and pour mixture into pie crust.
  4. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly wobbly in the center.
  5. Cool before serving.

These classic Virginia desserts highlight the state's rich heritage and the ingenuity of its cooks. From the simplicity of the Sally Lunn to the complex flavors of Apple Stack Cake, each dish tells a story of tradition, community, and the abundance of Virginia’s agricultural gifts. Try these recipes at your next gathering, and share a piece of Virginia's culinary history with friends and family, embracing the flavors that have delighted generations.

What makes these desserts unique to Virginia?

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The uniqueness comes from the local ingredients like Virginia peanuts and peaches, and the heritage recipes passed down through generations that reflect the state’s rich culinary history.

Can these recipes be made with modern ingredients?

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Yes, while traditional recipes call for specific ingredients, many can be substituted with modern equivalents or alternatives to cater to dietary restrictions or tastes.

Are these desserts suitable for beginners in baking?

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Yes, many of these recipes are straightforward and with basic baking skills, beginners can attempt them successfully. The pound cake and sally Lunn, for instance, are quite forgiving for novice bakers.