Robert E. Lee Cake
A moist, buttery vanilla cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or afternoon tea, appealing to those who love classic, sweet baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour three 8-inch round layer pans.
- In a large mixer bowl, mix butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Beat for 5 minutes on high speed, scraping the bowl occasionally.
- On low speed, mix in flour, baking powder, and salt, alternately with milk.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting or serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with sugar. You can substitute buttermilk for regular milk for added flavor. If you have cake flour on hand, it works great for this recipe, but all-purpose flour can be used in a pinch. To enhance the taste, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or almond extract for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a simple frosting or whipped cream. Consider pairing it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience. It also pairs beautifully with Sharon'S Lemon Delight for a refreshing contrast at gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Robert E. Lee Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold, as the flavors often deepen over time.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Robert E. Lee Cake contains roughly 360 calories, with 6g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 824mg 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 make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the layers a day in advance and store them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. When you're ready to serve, frost the cake just before serving to ensure the frosting remains fresh.
What frosting works best with Robert E. Lee Cake?
A classic buttercream or cream cheese frosting complements the cake's flavors beautifully. For a fruity touch, you can also use a lemon or raspberry frosting to add a refreshing contrast.
Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! After baking and cooling, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting and serving.
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).