Mama'S 1-2-3-4 Cake

Cook: 25 min Cuisine: American

A classic, moist sheet cake with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for family gatherings or casual celebrations, offering simple ingredients and easy preparation.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. butter
  • 2 c. sugar
  • 3 c. flour
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. milk

Instructions

  1. Mix well all ingredients.
  2. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan.
  3. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes or until done.
  4. Let the cake cool and enjoy this wonderful sheet cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth batter. If you're out of butter, you can substitute with an equal amount of margarine. To make the cake even more flavorful, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla. This cake is a great base for variations, such as adding chocolate chips or nuts. Browse more American recipes for inspiration.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with ice cream for a delicious dessert. For a special touch, top it with Memaw'S Chocolate Fudge Icing or fresh fruit. Serve it at gatherings or enjoy it with a cup of tea for a cozy afternoon treat. It also pairs nicely with a light fruit salad.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, slice and freeze individual pieces, then reheat in the microwave for a quick treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mama'S 1-2-3-4 Cake contains roughly 1867 calories, with 19g protein, 217g carbohydrates, and 72g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (38% of the Daily Value), iron (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 527mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

1867 kcal 93% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19g 38% DV
Total Fat 72.4g 93% DV
Carbs 217.5g 79% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 15.9g 32% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 527mg 23% DV
Potassium 1354.5mg 29% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 115.8mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 22.7mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 450.6mg 35% DV
Iron 6.4mg 35% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, the texture may be denser, so consider using a mix of both flours to achieve a lighter cake. Additionally, you might want to slightly increase the liquid ingredients to maintain moisture.

What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?

A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or too much leavening agent. Make sure to check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer, and ensure you're not overmixing the batter, which can incorporate too much air. If it happens, you can still enjoy the cake as a delicious dessert, even if it looks a bit imperfect.

How can I make this cake chocolate-flavored?

To make a chocolate version of this cake, replace 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. This will give you a rich chocolate flavor. You may also want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness. Bake as directed and enjoy a delicious twist on the classic recipe.

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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