Favorite One-Egg Cake
A classic, moist vanilla cake with tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts, adaptable with fillings and frostings for all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease well and flour two 8-inch x 1 1/2-inch layer cake pans or a 9-inch x 9-inch x 1 3/4-inch baking pan.
- Into a large bowl of electric mixer, sift together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the soft shortening and milk to the dry ingredients.
- At medium speed, beat for 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the sides of the bowl and guiding the mixture into the beaters with a rubber scraper.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract; beat for 2 minutes longer.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake the layers for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the surface springs back when gently pressed with a fingertip. For a 9-inch square pan, bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool thoroughly on wire racks.
- Fill and frost as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the cake flour is well sifted and the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk. Consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest for a fresh flavor twist. For added sweetness, you can fold in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Jo's Ginger Cookies for a sweet platter. For a festive touch, frost with cream cheese icing or chocolate ganache. Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
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. To reheat, microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a low oven until just heated through. Avoid reheating whole cakes to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite One-Egg Cake contains roughly 441 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium.
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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To mimic cake flour, replace 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with cornstarch for every cup used. This will help achieve a lighter cake that is closer to the original recipe.
How can I tell 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, the cake is ready. Additionally, the surface should spring back when gently pressed, indicating it has set properly.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and frost it once it's completely thawed for best results.
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).