Busy Day Cake

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Busy Day Cake is a simple yet delightful dessert that balances sweetness with a light, fluffy texture. Perfect for those hectic days when you need a quick treat, this cake features a subtle vanilla flavor that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. Ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

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Ingredients

  • 1 2/3 c. flour
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 2/3 c. milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Sift dry ingredients together.
  2. Add milk, egg, vanilla, and shortening.
  3. Mix well.
  4. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought frosting instead of making your own. This cake can also be enhanced with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for additional warmth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Busy Day Cake plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple finish. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a slice of Chocolate Turtle Pie or with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Busy Day Cake contains roughly 439 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 642mg per serving (28% of the Daily Value).

439 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 19.1g 24% DV
Carbs 62.2g 23% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 3g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 641.7mg 28% DV
Potassium 311.9mg 7% DV
Cholesterol 129.4mg 43% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 43.3mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 1.7mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 275.4mg 21% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
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 milk in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute any type of milk, including almond, soy, or oat milk, to make the cake dairy-free. Just keep in mind that different milks can slightly alter the flavor and moisture content, so choose one that suits your dietary preferences.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, you can try adding a simple syrup or a glaze on top to add moisture. Additionally, ensuring not to overbake the cake will help prevent dryness in the future; check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Can I add mix-ins to this cake?

Absolutely! You can fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits into the batter before baking. Just be sure not to overload the batter, as this can affect the cake's rise and texture.

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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