1, 2, 3, 4 Layer Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Cuisine: American

A classic multi-layer cake featuring rich butter, sweet sugar, and vanilla or lemon flavoring, perfect for celebrations or special occasions. Its fluffy texture and delicious taste make it a crowd-pleaser, suitable for birthdays, parties, or any festive gathering.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. butter or margarine
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 3 c. flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 c. milk
  • 2 tsp. vanilla or lemon flavoring
  • 3 tsp. baking powder

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients.
  2. Beat the mixture with 350 strokes by hand.
  3. Pour the batter into three greased round pans.
  4. Bake at 325°F until done.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure a light and fluffy cake, consider sifting the flour and baking powder together before mixing. If you're out of butter, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vegetable oil or applesauce for a lighter cake. For a unique flavor twist, try using almond extract instead of vanilla or lemon. Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious layer cake is perfect for birthdays or special occasions. Serve it with a scoop of Homemade Orange Sherbet for a refreshing contrast. You can also top it with whipped cream and fresh fruit for added flavor and visual appeal. For a delightful pairing, try serving alongside Quick Crescent Pecan Pie Bars to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or let it come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 1, 2, 3, 4 Layer Cake contains roughly 872 calories, with 11g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 643mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

872 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 11.1g 22% DV
Total Fat 8.1g 10% DV
Carbs 119.6g 43% DV
Fiber 4.3g 15% DV
Sugar 16.5g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 642.9mg 28% DV
Potassium 667.3mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 140.4mg 47% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 36.2mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 22.4mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 425.3mg 33% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. However, if using whole wheat flour, be aware it may yield a denser cake. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the desired consistency.

What can I do if my cake doesn't rise?

If your cake doesn't rise, it could be due to expired baking powder. Always check the expiration date and ensure the baking powder is fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake.

How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?

To turn this into a chocolate layer cake, replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. You may want to increase the sugar slightly, as cocoa can make the batter less sweet. Additionally, you can add chocolate chips for extra richness.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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