Edna Cake
Edna Cake is a classic, moist sponge cake known for its light texture and delicate sweetness. Perfect for celebrations or teatime, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or whipped cream. Its simple ingredients and rich flavor make it a favorite among home bakers seeking a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and shortening together until light and fluffy.
- Add 2 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add sifted cake flour and remaining eggs, beating after each addition until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a tube pan.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes at 350°F, then increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Do not open the oven during baking.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then turn out onto a plate to cool completely.
- Enjoy this extra good cake!
Tips & Substitutions
To ensure a light and fluffy texture, make sure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing two tablespoons of flour per cup and adding two tablespoons of cornstarch instead. Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to maintain a tender crumb.
Serving Suggestions
Edna Cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. For a more decadent option, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a side of Vidalia Onion Rings for a unique twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Edna Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Edna Cake contains roughly 839 calories, with 12g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 margarine instead of shortening?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for shortening in this recipe. However, keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly, making the cake a bit denser. It's best to use a stick margarine for similar results.
What can I do if my cake is too dry?
If your Edna Cake turns out dry, try serving it with a simple syrup or a fruit compote to add moisture. You can also soak slices lightly in milk before serving to enhance the texture and flavor.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this cake?
Absolutely! You can add vanilla extract, almond extract, or citrus zest to the batter for added flavor. For mix-ins, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts after combining the flour for a delicious variation.
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).