Standard Two-Egg Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 20 Cuisine: American

A classic moist vanilla sponge cake with a tender crumb, perfect for celebrations or everyday treats, adaptable with various fillings and frostings to suit any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 5/8 cups flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder

Instructions

  1. Cream margarine and sugar until fluffy.
  2. Add eggs and dry ingredients alternately with milk, a small amount at a time.
  3. Beat in vanilla extract.
  4. Pour batter into two 9-inch round layer pans.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your margarine is softened to room temperature before creaming with sugar. You can substitute the margarine with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you're out of baking powder, use 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar instead. This cake works great as a base for layered desserts, similar to Mom'S Plain Pound Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This two-egg cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. Fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce would make excellent toppings. It serves beautifully as a birthday cake or dessert at family gatherings, making it a versatile choice alongside Grandma Nell'S Sour Cream Sugar Cookies.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, where it can last up to a week. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold. Pairing it with fresh fruit can enhance its flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Standard Two-Egg Cake contains roughly 144 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 466mg per serving (20% of the Daily Value).

144 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.8g 4% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 3% DV
Carbs 21.5g 8% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 10.5g 21% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 465.6mg 20% DV
Potassium 109.5mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 14.1mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 39.8mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 5.2mg 6% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 147.2mg 11% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% 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

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. To maintain lightness, consider mixing half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will give you a healthier option while still keeping some fluffiness in the cake.

How can I make the cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a tablespoon of lemon zest or almond extract along with the vanilla. If you're a chocolate lover, consider folding in some cocoa powder to create a chocolate version of this classic cake. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit toppings.

What can I do if the cake is too dry?

If your cake turns out dry, you can brush it with a simple syrup made of equal parts water and sugar. This will add moisture. Additionally, serving it with a rich frosting or a fruit compote can help mask dryness and add flavor.

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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