Favorite Holiday Cake
A classic holiday cake featuring a moist, tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, perfect for festive celebrations. Its layered structure with homemade filling makes it an impressive centerpiece suitable for family gatherings and special occasions. The cake's timeless appeal and delightful taste make it a favorite holiday treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs, one at a time; beat after each addition.
- Add flour and milk alternately, ending with flour.
- Add vanilla; mix well.
- Pour batter into two greased and floured 9-inch pans.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pans and cool completely.
- Split the layers to make two cakes.
- Make the filling as desired and assemble the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. If you want a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. To make this cake extra festive, fold in some chopped dried fruits or nuts. If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour by adding 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder and a pinch of salt.
Serving Suggestions
This cake pairs beautifully with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting. Serve it as a delightful dessert after a holiday meal or alongside coffee during an afternoon gathering. For a fun twist, consider adding a side of East Texas Barbecue Pecans for a crunchy contrast, or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven at a low temperature until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Holiday Cake contains roughly 556 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).
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?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour and self-rising flour with gluten-free flour blends if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure the blend you use is suitable for baking, and you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right batter consistency.
What can I use for filling between the cake layers?
You can use a variety of fillings such as whipped cream, fruit preserves, or a rich ganache. For a seasonal touch, consider using a spiced apple filling to complement the cake’s flavors. Just make sure the filling is not too runny to avoid soggy layers.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake layers in advance and store them wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for up to three months. Just assemble the cake with your desired filling on the day you plan to serve it for the freshest taste.
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).