Grandmother Higbe’s ‘A Cake That Never Fails’
🕰️ Total Time: Variable (Depends on baking time)
🥣 Yield: 3 8-inch layers
🥧 Recipe Category: Dessert
🏷️ Keywords: Grains, Fruit, Healthy, < 15 Mins, Oven, Easy
🔪 Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 1/2 cup | Butter |
| 4-5 cups | Hot water |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| 1 cup | Flour |
| 3 tsp | Baking powder |
| 5 cups | Water |
| 1 | Egg white |
📝 Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and hot water until light and fluffy.
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Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
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Sift Flour: Sift the flour once to aerate it.
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Combine Flour and Baking Powder: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, then sift them together 4 or 5 times to ensure they are evenly mixed and aerated.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with water, a little at a time. Mix well after each addition until the batter is smooth.
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Fold in Egg Whites: In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the cake batter until just incorporated.
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Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes for small layers or 30-35 minutes for larger layers.
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Cool and Assemble: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Once cooled, you can assemble and frost the layers as desired.
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Optional Additions: If you prefer using shortening other than butter, remember to add a little salt for flavor. Additionally, chopped nuts can be incorporated into the batter for extra texture and flavor if desired.
This cherished recipe from generations past promises a deliciously moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special celebration or simply craving a comforting treat, Grandmother Higbe’s ‘A Cake That Never Fails’ is sure to delight with its timeless appeal and irresistible taste. Enjoy the tradition and share the love with each slice of this classic homemade dessert!
