Wyoming Squares
Wyoming Squares are light, fluffy cake squares with delicate flavors of lemon, orange, almond, and vanilla. Perfect for teatime or special occasions, they are topped with butter icing and can be enhanced with coconut. Their airy texture and vibrant flavors make them a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the whites of 7 eggs until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue beating until mixture is very stiff.
- Gradually add 1 cup sugar while still beating.
- Beat the egg yolks until thick and add lemon flavoring.
- Gently fold the beaten egg yolks into the egg whites.
- Add 1 cup of cake flour; sift before measuring and fold into the mixture.
- Add orange extract, almond extract, and vanilla for flavoring.
- Pour the batter into a square or oblong pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 40 minutes until risen and golden.
- When the cake has cooled, cut into squares.
- Cover each square with butter icing. Optionally, sprinkle with coconut.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating for maximum volume. If you don't have cake flour, you can substitute with all-purpose flour by removing 2 tablespoons per cup and replacing it with cornstarch. Be gentle when folding to maintain the airy texture of the egg whites, which is crucial for the cake's rise.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Wyoming Squares as a delightful dessert after dinner or alongside afternoon tea. For an elegant touch, pair them with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These squares also make a great addition to a dessert platter featuring other treats like Ice Cream Delight or Cranberry Apple Crisp.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Wyoming Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a microwave for a few seconds until just warm, or enjoy them cold for a refreshing treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Wyoming Squares contains roughly 358 calories, with 5g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value) and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein.
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 separating them?
Using whole eggs will change the texture of the Wyoming Squares significantly, resulting in a denser cake. The separation of the egg whites and yolks is crucial for achieving the light, airy structure that characterizes this recipe. Stick to the original method for best results.
What can I substitute for the flavor extracts?
If you don't have the specific flavor extracts, you can use other extracts like coconut or peppermint for a twist. However, keep in mind that this will alter the cake's flavor profile. You can also omit them altogether for a more neutral taste.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Check for doneness by lightly pressing the top of the cake; it should spring back. You can also insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Keep an eye on it as ovens can 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).