Grandma'S Sugar Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

Grandma's Sugar Cakes are sweet, tender treats with a delightful vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings or as comforting homemade snacks.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1/2 cup Crisco
  • 4 cups plain flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

  1. Beat sugar and eggs until light colored, then add melted margarine and Crisco, along with 1/2 cup of buttermilk.
  2. Place 1 teaspoon of baking soda in the other 1/2 cup of buttermilk, let it foam, then add it to the mixture and beat again.
  3. Add vanilla and 2 cups of flour along with the baking powder, then beat again.
  4. Add the remaining flour gradually, mixing well until combined.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to beat the mixture thoroughly to achieve a light texture, similar to the technique used in American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cakes are delightful on their own but can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for added sweetness. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside a scoop of Vanilla Almond Crunch ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sugar cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them by wrapping each cake in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Sugar Cakes contains roughly 289 calories, with 8g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1760mg per serving (77% of the Daily Value).

289 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.8g 16% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 55.8g 20% DV
Fiber 3g 11% DV
Sugar 1.8g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1760.1mg 77% DV
Potassium 182mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 3.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.1mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 315.3mg 24% DV
Iron 3.5mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains 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 regular butter instead of margarine or Crisco?

Yes, you can replace both margarine and Crisco with regular unsalted butter. This will give your sugar cakes a richer flavor and a slightly different texture, but they will still turn out delicious. Just make sure to melt the butter before mixing it in.

How can I make these sugar cakes more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the batter. You could also mix in some lemon zest or a pinch of nutmeg for a unique twist. These additions will elevate the sweetness and aroma of the sugar cakes.

What is the best way to serve these sugar cakes?

These sugar cakes are best served warm, straight from the oven or reheated. You can add a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a delightful dessert.

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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