Indiana Cake
Indiana Cake offers a moist, sweet treat with rich brown sugar flavor and tender crumb, perfect for family gatherings or casual dessert cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of vinegar and set aside for 5 minutes to make buttermilk.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking dish as needed.
- Cream together margarine and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add egg and vanilla, and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and soda.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients, mixing after each addition.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk. Ensure your margarine is at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Indiana Cake is delightful on its own, but you can enhance its flavor by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with Cherry Delights as a dessert duo or can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Indiana Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Indiana Cake contains roughly 350 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value) and protein (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1134mg per serving (49% 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 regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute regular granulated sugar for brown sugar, but it will change the flavor and moisture of the cake. Brown sugar adds depth and a slight chewiness, which enhances the overall taste.
What can I use if I don't have margarine?
You can substitute unsalted butter for margarine in equal amounts. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative to keep the recipe suitable for vegetarian recipes.
How do I know 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. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
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).