Harris Cake
Harris Cake is a moist, tender vanilla sponge layered with sweet, buttery flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday indulgence, appealing to all ages and tastes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Sift dry ingredients: cake flour and baking powder.
- Cream Crisco and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add dry ingredients alternately with sweet milk to the creamed mixture, beating after each addition.
- Beat for 2 minutes.
- Add beaten eggs, then vanilla, and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
- Pour batter into greased and floured pans lined with waxed paper.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, be sure to sift the cake flour and baking powder thoroughly. If you don't have sweet milk, you can substitute with whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of sugar. To enhance flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest or almond extract. This cake can also be made in layers; just adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Harris Cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a special touch. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a great accompaniment to afternoon gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Harris Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it can last for about a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at 300°F until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harris Cake contains roughly 209 calories, with 4g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% 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 margarine instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for Crisco in this recipe. However, the texture may differ slightly, as Crisco contributes to a lighter, fluffier cake. Ensure the margarine is softened to room temperature for the best results.
What if I don't have cake flour?
If you don't have cake flour, you can make a substitute by measuring 2 cups of all-purpose flour, removing 4 tablespoons, and adding 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. This mixture will mimic the lower protein content of cake flour, helping to keep the cake tender.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
Absolutely! To create a chocolate version of Harris Cake, simply replace 1/2 cup of cake flour with cocoa powder. This will add a rich chocolate flavor without compromising the cake's texture.
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).