Mother'S Plain Cake
A classic, moist cake with subtle lemon and almond flavors, perfect for tea time, celebrations, or as a delightful dessert for family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Use a tube cake pan; line only the bottom of the pan.
- Grease thoroughly the sides, bottom, paper, and especially the funnel of the pan.
- Preheat the oven to the appropriate temperature (usually 350°F).
- In a mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of flour and 2 cups of sugar.
- Add 1 cup of Crisco to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Separate 6 eggs, add the yolks to the mixture, and beat well.
- Add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the mixture.
- Beat the egg whites separately until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter to incorporate air.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube cake pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a lighter cake, make sure to gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter. If you don't have Crisco, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly. For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of vanilla extract or using other extracts like orange or coconut. This cake can be easily dressed up with a glaze or frosting if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a festive touch, top it with fresh berries or a light lemon glaze. It also makes a wonderful base for layered desserts or can be served alongside a fruit salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep the cake moist, you can wrap it in plastic wrap. If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mother'S Plain Cake contains roughly 878 calories, with 19g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (36% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 834mg per serving (36% 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 whole eggs instead of separating them?
Using whole eggs may result in a denser cake, as the beaten egg whites help create a lighter texture. If you're short on time, you can use all whole eggs, but for the best results, stick to the original method.
What can I do if my cake sinks in the middle?
A sinking cake can be caused by underbaking or too much liquid in the batter. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and check for doneness with a toothpick before the recommended baking time. If it sinks after cooling, the structure may not have been set properly.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! You can customize this cake by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruits. Just be mindful not to add too much, as it can affect the cake's rise. Adding citrus zest can also enhance the flavor profile.
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).