Moist White Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist, tender white cake with a delicate vanilla flavor, perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts, suitable for all ages and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients in order: shortening, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and milk.
  2. Pour the batter into a greased and floured pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes.
  4. Allow the cake to cool, then ice with your favorite icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your shortening is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute half the shortening with unsalted butter for added flavor. If you want a twist, consider adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. Sifting the flour and baking powder together can help prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth batter. This cake pairs beautifully with Chocolate Meringues.

Serving Suggestions

This moist white cake is delicious on its own or can be dressed up with your favorite icing. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a Frosty Apple Shake for a refreshing contrast. You can also pair it with fresh berries or whipped cream for added flavor and texture. It’s a versatile dessert that complements many occasions.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it can last for about a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warm, to keep the cake moist.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Moist White Cake contains roughly 693 calories, with 9g protein, 109g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (36% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).

693 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.7g 17% DV
Total Fat 9.8g 13% DV
Carbs 109.3g 40% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 593.9mg 26% DV
Potassium 690.5mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 234mg 78% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 113.1mcg 13% DV
Vitamin C 10.4mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 3% DV
Calcium 470.9mg 36% DV
Iron 4mg 22% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
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 make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re icing it, wait until the day you plan to serve it to ensure the icing remains fresh and the cake stays moist.

What can I use instead of shortening?

You can substitute shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter for a richer flavor, or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Both alternatives will yield a delicious cake, though the texture might vary slightly.

How can I tell 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 just a few crumbs attached, the cake is ready. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes before checking 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).

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