Old Mansion Holiday Cake
A classic, moist vanilla cake with delicate almond flavoring, perfect for holiday celebrations or special occasions, appealing to those who enjoy light, fluffy desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have shortening at room temperature and stir just to soften. Sift in dry ingredients.
- Add 3/4 cup milk and mix until all flour is dampened.
- Beat 2 minutes with mixer at low speed, or 300 strokes by hand.
- Add vanilla and almond extract, then mix.
- Add meringue and remaining milk, then beat 150 strokes by hand or 1 minute by mixer at low speed.
- Turn batter into 2 round 9-inch layer cake pans that are 1 1/2 inches deep, lined with waxed paper and greased.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until done. Cool the cakes.
- Frost the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, ensure your egg whites are whipped until stiff peaks form before folding them into the batter. If you don't have almond extract, you can substitute it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor. To prevent the cake from sticking, make sure to grease the pans well and use waxed paper as instructed.
Serving Suggestions
This Old Mansion Holiday Cake is perfect for festive gatherings and pairs beautifully with Candied Carrots for a delightful meal. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added richness. You can also dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold as it retains its flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Mansion Holiday Cake contains roughly 333 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 807mg per serving (35% 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 all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, the texture of the cake may be denser than intended. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which helps create a lighter, fluffier cake. If you must use all-purpose flour, consider sifting it a few times to aerate it.
How can I make this cake more festive?
To make this cake more festive, you can add seasonal spices such as nutmeg or cinnamon to the batter. Additionally, consider layering the cake with a fruit preserves or filling, such as raspberry or cranberry, between the layers for a pop of flavor and color.
What is the best way to frost this cake?
For frosting, a classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully. If you prefer something lighter, a whipped cream frosting can complement the cake's texture. Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
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).