White Wonder Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

White Wonder Cake is a classic, light, and fluffy dessert with a delicate vanilla flavor. Its tender crumb and airy texture make it perfect for celebrations or everyday treats. Suitable for all occasions, this cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 2 1/4 cups sifted flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 1/3 cups sugar

Instructions

  1. Cream shortening, then add sugar and vanilla, and beat until fluffy.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with milk, blending until smooth after each addition.
  4. Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure a light and fluffy texture, make sure your shortening is at room temperature before creaming. You can substitute butter for shortening if desired, but it may slightly alter the flavor and texture. If you don’t have cake flour, use all-purpose flour but sift it multiple times to mimic the fine texture of cake flour. For a flavor twist, consider adding a bit of almond extract alongside the vanilla.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect on its own but can also be served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce can elevate it further. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat, or serve alongside a scoop of ice cream for dessert. It complements sweet treats like No Fail Fudge beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover White Wonder Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for about a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until just warm, or enjoy it cold with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of White Wonder Cake contains roughly 416 calories, with 5g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), iron (18% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).

416 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5g 10% DV
Total Fat 3.7g 5% DV
Carbs 50.5g 18% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 20.1g 40% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1201.1mg 52% DV
Potassium 203.5mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 1.5mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 47mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 4.4mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 247.7mg 19% DV
Iron 3.2mg 18% DV
Diet fit 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 eggs instead of egg whites?

Using whole eggs will change the texture and color of the cake, making it denser and darker. The egg whites help create a light, airy structure, so it's best to stick with the recipe as written for optimal results.

What can I use if I don't have shortening?

If you don't have shortening, butter is a good substitute. However, it may lead to a slightly richer flavor and denser texture. You can also use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Look for a light golden color and a springy texture when gently pressed. Keep an eye on baking time as ovens may vary.

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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