Pennsylvania-Style Sugar Cakes

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Sweet, buttery Pennsylvania-Style Sugar Cakes are crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect for a nostalgic treat or served with tea and enjoyed by all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup Crisco
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sour milk (use 1 cup milk and 1 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix together all ingredients until well combined.
  2. Drop by tablespoonfuls onto a greased cookie sheet.
  3. Bake at 375°F until the top of the sugar cakes are lightly browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the Crisco with butter. If you don't have sour milk, mix one cup of regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar as suggested. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation. You can also experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These sugar cakes are delightful on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving them alongside Jello And Cream Cheese Salad as a refreshing side dish. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple icing for added sweetness.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sugar cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in an oven at low heat until just heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pennsylvania-Style Sugar Cakes contains roughly 113 calories, with 3g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

113 kcal 6% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.6g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 24.1g 9% DV
Fiber 1.3g 5% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 87.2mg 4% DV
Potassium 119mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 25.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 6.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.3mg 8% DV
Calcium 29.8mg 2% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal 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

What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

Consider adding chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts to the dough for a tasty twist. You could also mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar cakes.

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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