Dad'S Birthday Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

This Dad's Birthday Cake is a delightful treat perfect for celebrating special occasions. With a light and fluffy texture, it combines the rich flavors of vanilla and almond, making it a family favorite. Ideal for birthdays or any festive gathering, it's sure to bring joy and sweetness to the table.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. oleo or shortening
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 3 c. flour
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 c. milk
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening or oleo and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add egg yolks, one at a time.
  3. Beat thoroughly.
  4. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk and vanilla to creamed mixture, beating until smooth.
  5. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.
  6. Bake in a moderate oven (350°) for 25 minutes in a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan or two 9-inch round layer pans.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter cake, ensure you beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. This adds air and makes the cake fluffier. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. If you don't have vanilla extract, a splash of almond extract works well too.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with Fudge Frosting for an extra indulgent treat. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. It also makes a great dessert after a meal of Mom'S Best Potato Salad, enhancing your celebratory feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 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 in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Dad'S Birthday Cake contains roughly 174 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium.

174 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.3g 3% DV
Carbs 27.4g 10% DV
Fiber 1.9g 7% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 309mg 13% DV
Potassium 176.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 37.7mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 17.6mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 182.1mg 14% DV
Iron 1.7mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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 make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day or two ahead of your celebration. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or even coconut oil. Each will impart a slightly different flavor, so choose based on your preference.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the time, but also check for doneness a few minutes early, as ovens can vary.

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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