Grandmother'S 1-2-3-4 Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A classic, moist vanilla cake with a tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or celebrations, offering a sweet, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla aroma.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 cups sifted flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Stir butter until softened.
  2. Gradually add sugar and cream together until fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Add the sifted mixture to the creamed butter and sugar alternately with milk, a small amount at a time.
  6. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  7. Pour batter into three paper-lined round pans.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

For an extra moist cake, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk. You can also substitute half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version. Ensure that you properly sift the flour to avoid clumps. If you're short on time, you can use a store-bought frosting or enjoy the cake plain, as it’s delicious on its own.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect for celebrations and pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation. For a delightful twist, consider serving alongside Bonnie'S Blueberry Muffins for a sweet brunch.

Storage & Reheating

Store 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 individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandmother'S 1-2-3-4 Cake contains roughly 465 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

465 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.2g 4% DV
Total Fat 21.3g 27% DV
Carbs 32.4g 12% DV
Fiber 1.8g 6% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 377mg 16% DV
Potassium 279.8mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 103mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 14.6mg 16% DV
Calcium 143.5mg 11% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% DV
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 use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture. However, if using whole wheat flour, the cake may have a denser consistency. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off for best results.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, you can brush it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then drizzle over the cooled cake to add moisture. You can also serve it with whipped cream or a fruit compote to enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day or two in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This also allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when served.

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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