Dylan Hollis - Pinto Bean Cake
Dylan Hollis - Pinto Bean Cake is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 430 calories per serving. Recipe by B. Dylan Hollis on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 32 min
Cost: $6.55 total, $0.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cans (27 oz each) Pinto Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1.5 cups Peanuts (raw, ground to a fine powder in a food processor or grinder)
- 0.75 cup Honey (liquid honey)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
Instructions
Drain the beans
Open two 27‑oz cans of pinto beans, pour them into a colander, and rinse under cold water. Let drain completely.
Time: PT5M
Grind the peanuts
Place 1½ cups of raw peanuts into the food processor or grinder. Pulse until they become a fine powder, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Time: PT5M
Blend beans and peanuts
Add the drained beans to the ground peanuts in the processor. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate honey, butter, and flour
With the processor running, drizzle in ¾ cup honey, ½ cup melted butter, and sprinkle 2 teaspoons sifted flour. Blend just until everything is incorporated.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the oven
While the batter is mixing, set the oven to 375°F and allow it to preheat fully.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare the pan
Grease the baking pan with a thin layer of butter or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT5M
Bake the cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 375°F
Cool and serve
Remove the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 430
- Protein
- 7.5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 27 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, High‑Protein
Allergens: Peanuts, Dairy, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pinto Beans: Cooked pinto beans from scratch
- Instead of Peanuts: Almonds, Cashews
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup, Agave nectar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Coconut oil
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
Equipment Needed
- Food Processor or Grinder
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Baking Pan (8‑inch square or similar)
- Spatula
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Grinding peanuts to a fine powder without turning them into a paste.
- Blending beans and peanuts until completely smooth to avoid grainy texture.
- Baking until a toothpick comes out clean; under‑baking leaves a gummy center.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the peanuts lightly before grinding for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract (½ tsp) to the batter for extra aroma.
- Serve the cake with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Troubleshooting
Cake is too dense and gummy in the center.
Blend the bean‑peanut mixture longer to achieve a smoother batter and ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Cake cracks on top.
Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake a few minutes longer, or cover loosely with foil after the first 30 minutes.
Flavor is too sweet.
Cut back the honey to ½ cup or add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended; cake may spoil after 2 hours at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The cake can be baked a day ahead; reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes before serving.
- Store the batter in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before baking if you need to prep early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Pinto Bean Cake in American comfort food tradition?
Pinto bean cake is a modern twist on the resourceful American tradition of turning pantry staples like beans and peanuts into hearty desserts, especially during times of scarcity such as the Great Depression and wartime rationing.
What are the traditional regional variations of bean‑based cakes in the United States?
In the Southern United States, bean‑based breads and cakes often incorporate cornmeal or sweet potatoes, while in the Southwest, pinto beans are sometimes mixed with chilies and cheese for savory loaves. This sweet version with honey and peanuts is a newer, fusion‑style adaptation.
How is Pinto Bean Cake traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served as a dessert or snack, sliced warm and sometimes topped with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or a spoonful of vanilla‑flavored yogurt.
What occasions or celebrations is Pinto Bean Cake traditionally associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, bean‑based cakes have been popular at potlucks, community gatherings, and as a budget‑friendly treat during school fundraisers.
What makes Pinto Bean Cake special or unique in American dessert cuisine?
Its combination of protein‑rich beans and peanuts with honey creates a dense, sweet‑savory cake that is both filling and nutritious, offering a novel texture compared to typical flour‑based cakes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Pinto Bean Cake?
Common errors include under‑blending the beans and peanuts, which leaves a gritty texture, and over‑baking, which can dry the cake out. Also, adding too much honey can make the crumb overly moist.
Why does this Pinto Bean Cake recipe use a food processor instead of a hand‑mixer?
A food processor efficiently creates a ultra‑smooth batter from beans and peanuts, something a hand‑mixer cannot achieve without leaving lumps, which are crucial for the cake’s texture.
Can I make Pinto Bean Cake ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and refrigerate. It keeps for up to three days, or you can freeze it for up to two months.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pinto Bean Cake is done?
The top should be a deep golden brown, and the cake should feel firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What does the YouTube channel B. Dylan Hollis specialize in?
The YouTube channel B. Dylan Hollis specializes in quirky, experimental cooking challenges, often recreating unusual or nostalgic dishes with a humorous, step‑by‑step commentary style.
How does the YouTube channel B. Dylan Hollis's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
B. Dylan Hollis blends comedic storytelling with genuine culinary curiosity, tackling off‑beat recipes like bean cakes while still providing clear instructions, whereas many channels focus on polished, conventional recipes.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
