Delish! Butternut Cake, Book Giveaway, and Grave Decisions with Author Debra DuPree Williams.

Delish! Butternut Cake, Book Giveaway, and Grave Decisions with Author Debra DuPree Williams.
Monday, June 30, 2025 by Sally Jo Pitts

Categories: Books & Food / Recommended Books

Investigating Food Used in Novels

This month’s food scene and recipe comes from Debra DuPree Williams’ novel, Grave Decisions—(A Charlotte Graves Mystery, Book #2).

(Read on for information about her book giveaway and a reminder of a Christmas in July Reader Extravaganza you won’t want to miss.)

Here’s the Scene:

Everyone gathered in the conservatory. Aunt Becky cut the Butternut Cake and passed it around while Mama served coffee and tea.

George still appeared outwardly upset. Every little noise caused him to jump. I wandered over and sat on the ottoman at his feet, placing my hand on his knee. “Are you okay? The conversation tonight seems to have upset you. A lot.”

George patted my shoulder. “I’m just an old codger who likes things to stay on an even keel. I don’t like all that bickering, ’specially at the supper table.” He rubbed his stomach. “And it ain’t good for Margie. I just don’t cotton to it.”

Grammy reached over and took his hand. “Poor thing. Georgie has had indigestion all day. I cannot help but think this only made it worse.”

George pulled out a package and popped something into his mouth. “I’ll be all right. Some of the fellers over to the hardware store told me about these here minty things they chew when they get this. Seem to work purty good.”

Grams pointed to the big piece of cake sitting on the table next to him. “Perhaps you should pass on this cake? It has an awful lot of sugar in it.”

George’s eyes widened. “It ain’t got onions in it does it?”

Grammy laughed and gave George a little tap on his arm. “Land sakes, no.”

“Then I don’t see why I can’t eat it.” He picked up his fork and dug in.

He might be trying to blow it off, but something about that supper confrontation had really upset him. I’d have to keep a closer eye on George and both ears open.

Author Debra DuPree Williams shares this very sweet and rich Butternut Cake that she says was a popular cake to take to church suppers and other events back in the 60s and 70s. (No surprise that the Grammy character in her novel makes this cake for the family!)

Butternut Cake

For the recipe click here.

For additional recipes on this blog, click here.

Free Print or Ebook Opportunity:

Debra is offering a free book—print or ebook, your choice—to be selected from commentors. (Offer available through July 7)

In the comments below, share which is your favorite—cake or pie??

More about Grave Decisions:

Settled comfortably into her new life at Rose Haven with her grandmother—while reconnecting with the love of her life—twenty-six-year-old Charlotte Graves is surprised when Grammy offers to give her the entire estate. As she wrestles with that decision, Charlotte’s past literally comes knocking on the door.

Things quickly go from bad to worse when the unexpected intruder makes claims to Rose Haven. Add someone she loves being accused of murder—plus a search for a secret treasure hidden inside the grand old estate—and Charlotte’s life becomes as sticky as the red Alabama clay.

Will she be able to learn the truth and keep the treasure and Rose Haven out of unscrupulous hands before someone gets hurt?

About the Author:

Debra DuPree Williams brings her love of family into the stories she shares. A true Southerner, she can't help but weave her ancestors' tales into all she writes. She's an award-winning author, a wife, a mom, and a grandmother. She and her husband make their home in the mountains of North Carolina.

You can connect with her at https://debradupreewilliams.com/

BY THE WAY!! CHRISTMAS IN JULY READER EXTRAVAGANZA IS HERE with fabulous giveaways and prizes.

Don’t miss out. You can still sign up HERE!

Comments

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/8/2025 12:42:16 PM

Hey y'all! I'm thrilled that so many of you stopped by. You certainly have my mouth watering over all your fave cakes and pies. Winner of the book, ebook or print, will be named soon. Watch for Sally Jo's email! Debbie

Teresa Warner From Michigan At 7/5/2025 12:25:19 PM

I prefer pie to cake but I love carrot cake!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You picked one of my favorite cakes too!

Deborah Dumm From PA At 7/4/2025 8:34:57 AM

Do I really have to choose? If I must I would have to say cake.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

It is a hard choice!

Debbie Williams From NC by way of AL At 7/3/2025 11:24:17 AM

For those of you who don't win the free book, both are set at $2.99 on Amazon. I'm an indie author who published under Bee Meadow Books which translates to my first and maiden names. I feel called by God to share the stories within my heart. I pray they bless you! Deb

Anne-Marie Webster From Massachusetts At 7/2/2025 10:36:02 PM

I'm an avid reader, but sweets don't temp me as much as a good book!!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Probably lots better for you too!

Debra Pruss From OH At 7/2/2025 10:06:35 PM

It looks wonderful. I am on medication that limits my appetite. One thing that it has limited is sweets. I love to eat fresh fruit. Strawberries have been fabulous. God bless you.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Wow. The fruits will be better for you too.

Lelia (Lucy) Reynolds From WV At 7/2/2025 9:27:09 PM

The cake looks delicious but I can’t have nuts of any kind.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You might try it modified.

Melissa Alexander From Montana At 7/2/2025 6:42:12 PM

Strawberry pie is my favorite with lots of cool whip on top!!!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Oh wow, Those pies are a sight to behold..

Anita Yancey From Georgia At 7/2/2025 6:18:17 PM

The book sounds really good, and I love the characters. I would like to try that amazing cake, but I can't have the sugar.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Sugar treats, alas, are not good for us for a variety of reasons but they are tempting.

Leela From USA At 7/2/2025 6:12:41 PM

That cake looks great! I can't wait to try it. Thanks for the giveaway.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thanks for stopping by.

Debbie From NC At 7/2/2025 5:32:02 PM

I'm so glad so many of you stopped by today. I've loved reading your remarks. If you read my books, thank you! I appreciate you all so much. I'm just a plain Southern gal who loves to make up stories with people I hope y'all will like. I'm so happy to meet new people here! Blessings! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Debra is a share from heart kind of writer to love.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 5:27:16 PM

Lots of good desserts named here! LOVE Carrot Cake. Hubby's fave. I'm a big fan of cream cheese frosting! Sooo good! I've seen Coconut Cake mentioned today, too. I LOVE that stuff!! It's been ages since I had a slice. Hubby doesn't care for coconut. But he loves the pound cake one! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Lots of different favorites adds the spice to life!

Sharon Jennings From Pinellas Park Florid At 7/2/2025 5:15:48 PM

This book sounds interesting. Debra Dupree Williams is a new author to me.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Time to check her out.

Kelly Erwin From Mountain Grove MO At 7/2/2025 4:59:42 PM

I have never read anything from you so I would love to win. That cake looks sooooo good.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Debra and I welcome readers! Yes, the cake does look very good.

Linda Kish From USA At 7/2/2025 4:59:15 PM

Since I have a sweet tooth and love frosting, it would be cake for me.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Understandable!

Karen M From Palm Harbor, FL At 7/2/2025 3:40:32 PM

My Mom and her mother were the best bakers. Their carrot cake was my favorite.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Now you are talking a favorite of mine. I love the cream cheese frosting.

Lena Bredin From Kenosha, WI, USA At 7/2/2025 3:39:55 PM

Thanks for the opportunity. Happy Summer!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You too. Thanks for stopping by.

Alicia Haney From Texas At 7/2/2025 3:32:13 PM

This book sounds like a Great read and I love the cover! And the cake, well the cake sounds and looks scrumptious ! thank you for sharing Have a great day and a great rest of the week.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thank you for visiting my blog.

Debbie From NC At 7/2/2025 1:45:07 PM

I'm sorry that I can't comment on every person's comments. I don't think I could keep up!! Know how thrilled I am to read your comments. I hope y'all enjoy reading my books. One of you is going to win one. You take your pick. Grave Consequences, book 1 or Grave Decisions, book 2. Recipes in the bac

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I love Debra's Southern recipes in the back of Grave Decisions.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 1:42:07 PM

Charlotte's cousin, Fiona "Fee" Campbell is her sidekick. I love Fee. She reminds me of my cousins. Do you have cousins who would come to your aid if you were in trouble? Or did they when you were younger? Good to have a voice of reason! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

My cousins were either too young or lived too far away to come to my aid.

Debbie Williams From Western NC Mountains At 7/2/2025 1:40:24 PM

I'm so glad so many of you are commenting. Both of my books have recipes in the back. In Grave Consequences, I introduce Charlotte and others who live in little Loblolly AL. I had such fun creating these people. Roan Steele is Charlotte's love interest. Deputy Sheriff. Handsome! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Fun characters.

Gretta From Salina, Kansas At 7/2/2025 1:35:00 PM

I love pie. My favorite is probably bread--sometimes it is better than cake!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You and I would get along with bread. I love a good chewy bread.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 1:33:47 PM

I'm so glad to see so many of you here. One of you is going to win that book! I hope you enjoy it. I had fun writing it. I'm big-time into genealogy, so my books usually have a family connection. Both of my books do thus far. Google Nicholas Lanier. He's a cousin. Portrait by van Dyck. Fun to learn

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Genealogy lovers out there. You will enjoy Debra's books.

mindy engle From PA At 7/2/2025 12:59:33 PM

Hi! I've never read any of your books, so I'd be thrilled to win one to get started. Thanks!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Janet Demaree From Southern Indiana At 7/2/2025 12:03:08 PM

I would love to win a book.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

We'll add you to the commenters. Thanks for stopping by.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 12:00:55 PM

I'd love to have y'all come follow me. DebraDuPreeWilliams.com will take you to my website. I blog weekly and send out a newsletter once a month with a recipe in each one. And Sally's books have been featured there! Love her writing!! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Debra has heartfelt content to enjoy on her blog.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 11:57:42 AM

Y'all's remarks are making me hungry and my mouth drool. I remember my late Sissy making a chocolate cake with seafoam icing. I haven't thought about that in ages! I think I need to make one! Do y'all do desserts daily or just occasionally? Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

As for me. I love desserts but rarely make them. It's too tempting to have around.

Elizabeth From Ga At 7/2/2025 11:39:11 AM

The cake sounds delightful. Lol. I thought it was a problem on my end with the no comment. The book sounds great.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thanks for trying again.

Patt Shene From SE Colorado At 7/2/2025 11:00:56 AM

Debra your cake looks delicious, your book sounds amazing, and the cat in the picture could be a sibling of my Duncan! Thank you for this opportunity to win. Blessings on your writing.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thanks for stopping by. Love the name Duncan for you kitty.

Annie From MD At 7/2/2025 10:45:32 AM

I’m a pie girl mostly! I still love cake though!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I get it!

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 10:09:13 AM

PA people on here! Love that you all are liking Southern Foods! I have kin there! Granddaughter attends Dickinson College. Number 1 in her class! She's vegan, so she doesn't eat much that I cook. I usually make things she can eat. Her family eats mostly vegetarian. Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

We sure do have a variety of preferences floating around, don't we?

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 10:05:40 AM

Kathy, I know that Apple Stack Cake! My late cousin (Author Karen Lynn Nolan, Above the Fog, Appalachian Fic.) from KY made that cake. She talked about it all the time! Sounds delish. Glad you found a recipe. Deb

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 10:02:27 AM

GF is hard! I have a lot of friends who are GF. My family carries the gene that makes it hard to digest, but we don't have to do GF. It isn't that severe. I hope y'all find recipes that make things easier. Wish I had some! Deb

Debra From FL At 7/2/2025 9:56:19 AM

I used to love cake but must follow a gluten free menu. I am still looking for a GF cake that would compare but have only come close.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I understand your dilemma. That would make it hard to have the same taste in cake recipes handed down through generations.

Debbie Williams From NC by way of AL At 7/2/2025 9:50:40 AM

Foodies - Do you follow Cooking With Brenda Gantt? She lives in the town I grew up in. She became an overnight sensation when she made biscuits with one hand! She's on FB, but make sure you find the REAL one with almost 4 million followers! She has cookbooks!! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I loved watching her make coleslaw on YouTube.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA At 7/2/2025 9:49:57 AM

Sally Jo that cake is very yummy in the tummy

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

You're making me hungry.

Debbie Williams From NC by way of AL At 7/2/2025 9:48:09 AM

Did y'all know I lived in the town Sally Jo lives in when I was a child? I still have tons of relatives in that area. Many, many in south AL. Sally Jo has books set in the Dothan area. I was born there! Those books are soooo good!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thanks for the plug, Deb. It's fun to discover we are kindred spirits from the same area.

Debbie Williams From NC by way of AL At 7/2/2025 9:46:13 AM

We Southerners love our desserts! Most of mine were Granny's concoctions. Mama made party foods. Daddy was a Mess Sergeant during WWII at Camp Hood in TX. He was a great cook! His pancake recipe is in the back of Grave Decisions! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Deb, you are so right. We Southerners do love our desserts.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 9:43:45 AM

I'm loving your comments. I write too many words and it's cutting me off mid-sentence. Sorry. Love Blackberry Cobbler. There is a good recipe for a quick one. Email me and I'll send you the recipe I use. Uses any fruit you like. Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Let's post that recipe when we announce your winner!

Debbie Williams From NC by way of AL At 7/2/2025 9:37:58 AM

Hey again, y'all! I'm a cake person. German Chocolate is my fave. But I love Southern pies . . . Egg Custard and Sweet Potato. Red Velvet is great. Don't worry about the red dye. Use Hershey's Dark Cocoa. It makes a yummy and beautiful cake. Not red, but delish! Deb

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

A great tip!

Pauline Trummel From Livermore CA At 7/2/2025 9:36:58 AM

I like pie the best. Thanks for the giveaway.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thank you for stopping by.

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 9:31:07 AM

Hey y'all! I appreciate your comments so much. I'm reading all of them. If I don't comment on yours, it isn't because I didn't read it or appreciate it. It's because I'm not tech-savvy and have trouble getting into each one to comment. I may have it fixed now. Thanks to each of you! Deb

Debbie Williams From NC At 7/2/2025 9:10:38 AM

Crystal, Thanks for stopping in to comment. Charlotte certainly does find her way into trouble . . . or it finds her! Somehow, she manages to deal with all of it. And all the while eating Grammy's yummy food! Mama made this cake often for church events. It is very good, but soooo rich! Deb

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA At 7/2/2025 8:51:57 AM

My favorite cake is chocolate cake with seafoam icing [note: icing should always be made on cool day]

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Sounds yummy.

Beth Reimer From Maryland At 7/2/2025 8:50:05 AM

Coconut cake,

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Coconut cake was my husband's favorite.

Heather Swanson From ONTARIO At 7/2/2025 8:45:55 AM

I need a slice of that cake!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I'm with you!

Bethany A Taylor From IN At 7/2/2025 8:22:20 AM

Cake

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thanks for sharing.

Janis Rich From OH At 7/2/2025 8:10:46 AM

I would give anything to have my mother’s pie again. I can do it myself, but it doesn’t taste the same, ever. She never measured with anything but her hand and it never failed. She had the gift. The book sounds great!

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

I know what you mean. Some people seem to have a gift when it comes to blending ingredients.

Debbie Williams From Flat Rock N C At 7/2/2025 8:04:17 AM

Crystal Thanks for stopping by. Yes, Charlotte always manages to find trouble! Or rather, trouble finds her. Either way, she has her work cut out for her. The cake is yummy! Deb

Shelley Beachy From Florida At 7/2/2025 8:02:20 AM

Pie though cake is nice too. Sounds like a great book. I've added it to my TBR list.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Great. Thanks for stopping by.

Kathy McCauley From Kentucky At 7/2/2025 8:01:21 AM

My grandmother always made a Dried Apple Stack Cake for every event and even had one in her freezer when she died. Since Grandma didn’t use a recipe, I searched for years for this recipe! We’re having a family reunion in two weeks so of course I’m baking Grandma’s signature cake

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Oh. What a special legacy.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA At 7/2/2025 7:59:51 AM

My Vote is Cake hands down what's better than good cake and book that go together and I think these to go together perfectly really looking forward to reading in print formats

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Good book and cake does sound good.

Crystal Stewart From Bruin, PA At 7/2/2025 7:42:39 AM

love everything about this book and yes I believe she'll be able to reach and solve her problems before someone gets hurt hard to say, she decides to her problems I think she'll do her best That butternut cake sure looks delicious Will review book in print format if I win HOPE I I WIN

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Thank you for stopping by!

Angie Carroll From Wisconsin At 7/2/2025 7:36:48 AM

Cake

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

May you can try Debra's Butternut cake. Thanks for stopping by.

tony cannova From AL At 7/2/2025 7:17:02 AM

apple pie

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

A classic!

Lisa Wright From Prescott Valley, AZ At 7/2/2025 6:54:49 AM

I vote for pie

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

got it

Marilyn Scalf From Kent, Ohio At 7/2/2025 6:19:22 AM

Pumpkin Pie, the easiest pie to make !

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

My family always wants pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving.

Linda Gawthrop From PA At 7/2/2025 5:05:03 AM

Thanks for sharing the recipes…I have not tried butternut flavored cake but I will add it to my list of food adventures! I’m a cake lover and in our family special occasions were celebrated with red velvet cakes…maybe now with red dye concerns it would be pink velvet?

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Red velvet cake is beautiful. You raise an interesting question about red dye concerns!

Susan Campbell From Roswell Geogia At 7/2/2025 5:02:40 AM

My homemade chocolate pie. I have been making it since I was a child in the 1950’s.

Reply by: Sally Jo Pitts

Just hearing the name sounds delicious.

Emily Cheang From California At 7/2/2025 4:40:31 AM

Thank you for the opportunity to know Debra Dupree Williams and her Grave Decisions! The book sounds interesting and the cake is absolutely delicious! Thank you for sharing the recipe!