Light Creamy Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A light and creamy cake with rich flavors, perfect for celebrations or teatime, featuring a delicate texture and versatile taste that pairs well with various frostings.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 5 egg yolks
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 5 egg whites

Instructions

  1. Mix shortening, softened butter, and sugar until well combined.
  2. Add egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  3. Sift together flour, soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold into the batter.
  6. Spoon the batter into two prepared 9-inch cake pans.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center tests done.
  8. Allow cakes to cool before frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure that your butter and shortening are at room temperature before mixing. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This recipe can also be adapted by adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist or using almond extract instead of vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This light creamy cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a simple whipped cream frosting or a fruit compote. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience. For more delicious cake ideas, browse more American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy them chilled.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Light Creamy Cake contains roughly 616 calories, with 4g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 762mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).

616 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 43.5g 56% DV
Carbs 30.4g 11% DV
Fiber 1.5g 5% DV
Sugar 5.6g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 761.5mg 33% DV
Potassium 209.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 77.9mg 26% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 25.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 4mg 4% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 52.5mg 4% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% 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?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for the best texture, you can use cake flour for an even lighter cake. Just remember that cake flour has less protein, which will affect the structure of the cake. Make sure to measure it correctly to avoid a dense result.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine and replace buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. This will help maintain the cake's moisture and texture without using dairy products.

What can I use instead of shortening?

If you prefer not to use shortening, you can replace it with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor. Alternatively, coconut oil is a great substitute that will add a subtle coconut taste to the cake.

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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