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Danna Doty-Patterson-Donovan’s Oregon Pioneer Fried Cakes

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These Oregon Pioneer Fried Cakes are a simple yet hearty treat, rooted in the traditions of early settlers. Passed down through generations and lovingly perfected by Danna Doty-Patterson-Donovan, this recipe reflects the resourcefulness and culinary creativity of pioneers. These savory fried cakes, made with basic ingredients and cooked in rendered beef fat, offer a taste of history that’s sure to satisfy.

  • Author: Joshua Patterson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (mixing and rolling out the dough)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (frying the cakes in batches)
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: About 20 fried cakes (serving size depends on appetite and portioning) 1x
  • Category: Side Dish, Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Pioneer

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • 1 cup water
  • Extra flour (for hands and bread board)
  • Rendered beef fat (for frying)
  • Salt (to taste)

 

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and water. Mix with a fork until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but manageable, with no dry flour remaining.
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Generously flour your hands and a bread board or clean surface. Turn out the dough onto the floured surface.
    • Roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. The dough will be sticky, so keep your hands and the rolling surface well-floured to prevent sticking.
  3. Cut and Shape the Cakes:
    • Using a knife or dough cutter, cut the rolled dough into 2-inch squares. This will yield about 20 cakes, depending on the size and shape of your dough.
  4. Fry the Cakes:
    • In a large skillet, render beef fat over medium heat until it’s hot and shimmering. If you don’t have beef fat, you can substitute with lard or another cooking fat, though beef fat provides the most authentic flavor.
    • Carefully add the squares of dough to the hot fat, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the cakes slowly on both sides, turning as needed, until they are golden and crisp.
  5. Season and Serve:
    • Once fried, remove the cakes from the skillet and drain them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt to taste while they’re still warm.
    • Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. These fried cakes are delicious on their own or served alongside a hearty soup or stew.

 

Notes

Why Oregon Pioneer Fried Cakes?

This recipe is more than just a quick and easy snack; it’s a connection to our past. The simplicity of these fried cakes speaks to the resourcefulness of Oregon pioneers who made the most of the ingredients they had on hand. Danna Doty-Patterson-Donovan’s version of this classic recipe keeps that spirit alive, offering a taste of history that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Whether you’re looking for a unique side dish or a savory treat, these Oregon Pioneer Fried Cakes are sure to hit the spot.

Nutritional Notes:

  • The calories and fat content primarily come from the frying process, as the dough itself is low in fat.
  • Sodium levels vary based on how much salt is added after frying.
  • Carbohydrates are mainly from the flour, making these cakes a simple source of energy.

This breakdown gives readers a clear understanding of the time, yield, and nutritional impact of making these Oregon Pioneer Fried Cakes.

 

 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cake
  • Calories: 80-100 kcal
  • Sugar: 0G
  • Sodium: 100-150mg (from added salt and the frying fat)
  • Fat: 5-7g (depending on how much fat is absorbed during frying)
  • Saturated Fat: 2-3g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-12g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1-2g

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