Mrs. Margaret'S 1-2-3-4 Cake
A classic, moist vanilla cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or everyday desserts, customizable with frosting or fruit toppings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift together the cake flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour batter equally into four greased and floured 9-inch cake pans or one greased and floured tube pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool, then frost with your favorite frosting or serve with fruit and Cool Whip.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the milk with almond or soy milk. You can also replace the cake flour with all-purpose flour, but for a lighter texture, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup. This cake can be flavored with lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Mrs. Margaret's 1-2-3-4 Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Crisco Maple Frosting or fresh fruit for added flavor. Consider serving it alongside a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect treat for afternoon gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mrs. Margaret'S 1-2-3-4 Cake contains roughly 249 calories, with 4g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% 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 a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour. However, for a lighter texture, you may want to add cornstarch. Use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch per cup of all-purpose flour to mimic the texture of cake flour.
What frosting works best with this cake?
Crisco Maple Frosting complements the sweetness of the cake beautifully. However, you can also use cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream for a classic pairing. Adding fruit preserves between layers also adds a delightful twist.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
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).