1-2-3-4 Sheet Cake(Recipe Passed From Mrs. Mary Rucker Wannamaker)

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A moist, buttery sheet cake with a hint of vanilla and vibrant yellow color, perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or everyday treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lump Crisco (size of egg)
  • 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups plain flour, sifted
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 drop yellow food coloring

Instructions

  1. Cream Crisco, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
  3. Sift flour together with baking powder.
  4. Add milk, vanilla, salt, and yellow food coloring to the mixture.
  5. Pour batter into a sheet cake pan.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 1 hour.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure you cream the Crisco, butter, and sugar until very fluffy. If you don't have Crisco, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter. For added flavor, consider using almond extract instead of vanilla. To enhance the cake's color, you can increase the yellow food coloring slightly. This cake also freezes well for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

This 1-2-3-4 sheet cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with whipped cream or fresh fruit on the side. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For a festive touch, drizzle with chocolate ganache or a simple glaze. It also makes a great base for layered desserts; feel free to explore variations with frosting or fruit fillings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of 1-2-3-4 Sheet Cake(Recipe Passed From Mrs. Mary Rucker Wannamaker) contains roughly 1142 calories, with 14g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (54% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1007mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

1142 kcal 57% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13.5g 27% DV
Total Fat 13.2g 17% DV
Carbs 175.6g 64% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 16.1g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1006.8mg 44% DV
Potassium 1221mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 468.3mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 116.9mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 10.1mg 11% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 702.3mg 54% DV
Iron 4.6mg 25% 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 for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for plain flour, you can substitute with cake flour for a softer texture or whole wheat flour for a denser cake. Just note that using whole wheat flour may slightly alter the flavor and consistency, so consider adding a bit more liquid if the batter seems too thick.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze it as mentioned earlier. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its moisture.

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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