Blue Ribbon White Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A classic light and fluffy white cake with delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for celebrations and special occasions, suitable for those craving a tender, airy dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup sweet milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • 8 egg whites

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Sift flour three times and add baking powder and salt to the sifted flour.
  3. Alternately add the flour mixture and sweet milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Add vanilla.
  4. Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites by hand.
  5. Pour the batter into two greased 9-inch layer pans.
  6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form. If you don't have shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter, but keep in mind it will alter the flavor slightly. To enhance the vanilla flavor, consider using vanilla bean paste instead of extract. For a fun twist, you might add lemon or almond extract for additional flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Blue Ribbon White Cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream. For a more decadent dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider making a layered cake with your favorite frosting or filling, such as buttercream, to elevate its flavor. It's also delightful alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Blue Ribbon White Cake contains roughly 244 calories, with 2g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 762mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

244 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 20.2g 26% DV
Carbs 15.2g 6% DV
Fiber 2.7g 9% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 761.9mg 33% DV
Potassium 165.3mg 4% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 21.8mg 24% DV
Calcium 103.9mg 8% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
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 whole eggs instead of just egg whites?

Yes, you can use whole eggs, but the texture will be denser and richer compared to using just egg whites. The egg whites help create a lighter, fluffier cake. If you prefer the richer flavor of whole eggs, consider using 4 whole eggs instead of the 8 egg whites.

What can I substitute for sweet milk?

If you don't have sweet milk, you can use regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of sugar or honey to mimic the sweetness. Alternatively, buttermilk or a milk alternative like almond or oat milk can work, but adjust the sugar in the recipe based on the sweetness of the substitute.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready. Keep in mind that baking times may vary slightly based on your oven, so start checking around the 25-minute mark.

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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