Classic Southern Cake Recipe – Perfect for Any Occasion
Hey there, fellow foodies! I’m excited to introduce you to this unbelievably delicious southern cake recipe that has been a staple in my family for generations – Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe! This recipe has been passed down from my late aunt Mary, who was the queen of southern cooking in our family. You could call it her signature dish and she served it up with pride every time.
As soon as you take a bite of this mouth-watering cake, you’ll be transported to Aunt Mary’s kitchen. The rich flavor of vanilla mixed with the perfect blend of flour, sugar, baking soda and eggs will leave you feeling satisfied and crave for more. It’s a highly sought-after recipe that has been famous across many states for its unique taste and texture.
It’s an embodiment of comfort food at its best, and not just to satisfy your sweet tooth craving but to also bring memories and nostalgia of the good old southern days. If you’re looking for a showstopping Christmas or birthday cake or just something special for your loved ones any day of the week, then look no further.
So why wait? Step into Aunt Mary’s world as we get ready to make her one-of-a-kind southern-style cake. Get your aprons on, grab your utensils and let’s get baking together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there food lovers! Are you ready to indulge in some showstopping Southern comfort food? Well, let me tell you that Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe is the answer to your cravings!
This recipe has been passed down through generations in our family, and I can guarantee that it will have you coming back for more. You’ll love this recipe because not only is it deliciously sweet and moist, but it’s also incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
One bite of this cake, and you’ll feel like you’re transported to Mary’s kitchen with the familiar scent of vanilla and sweet cakes filling the air. The balance of flavors between the sweetness of sugar and the richness of buttermilk will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility – you can make it into a variety of flavors such as apple, oatmeal, coconut macaroon, or even a classic pound cake. You could even get creative with variations such as adding nuts or even caramel for an extra twist.
This cake is perfect for any occasion – be it a birthday celebration or just a casual dessert for a gathering with friends. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the go-to choice for a relaxing afternoon treat.
So what are you waiting for? Dive right into this dreamy Southern cake recipe that will undoubtedly take your taste buds on a journey. With Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe, you’ll have yourself an incredibly tasty cake recipe to add to your collection. Trust me; Your loved ones won’t stop thanking you for bringing this cake into their lives!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive right into the heart of our delicious Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake recipe. To make this breathtakingly sweet and satisfying dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups of shortening: This is an essential part of creating a rich and moist texture in the cake, making it a satisfying treat during any time of the year.
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3 cups of sugar: The next key ingredient that you will require is this wonderful sweetener. It gives the cake a very distinct flavor and contributes to its overall texture.
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6 eggs (large eggs): These protein-packed eggs give your cake its body and maintain its moisture content while preventing crumbling.
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3 cups of all-purpose flour: The base for your cake recipe, use white or unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
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1/2 teaspoon of baking soda: To give your cake that perfectly airy texture, this small amount of letavening agent is the trick.
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1/4 teaspoon of salt: This is a necessary component in every baking project as it brings out the flavors and helps it rise properly.
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1 cup buttermilk: This culture-rich milk product is the ideal liquid for baking to add creaminess and acidity to your cake recipe.
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract: A few dashes won’t do – include generous amounts to taste this delectable flavor in every bite.
Now that we have covered all of our ingredients here, let’s take a closer look at how to put them together in Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – how to make this truly scrumptious and showstopping cake recipe. Trust me, you’re going to want a slice of Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake in your life! Here’s how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup shortening
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or two 9-inch cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together sugar and shortening until light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternatively with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Pro Tip: Want to add some extra pizzazz to this classic recipe? Try topping it off with some toasted coconut or drizzled caramel sauce for an added layer of flavor!
Now that you have mastered Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe, it’s time to impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills! As they say in the South, “ya’ll come back now, ya hear?”
Substitutions and Variations
Now, I know some of you might not have all the ingredients on hand, or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit. Don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own.
Firstly, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily substitute it with regular milk mixed with some lemon juice or vinegar. Combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of either lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade buttermilk substitute will work just as well in this recipe.
Another substitution option is using vegetable oil instead of shortening. This switch will create a lighter texture in the cake and you won’t have to worry about melting any shortening beforehand.
As for variations, one of my favorites is adding some toasted coconut (another southern staple) on top of the cake batter before baking. This creates a deliciously sweet and crunchy topping that pairs perfectly with the cake’s fluffy texture.
If coconut isn’t your thing, you could also try making this recipe into a sheet cake and icing it with a homemade caramel frosting for an extra decadent treat. Or, switch out the vanilla extract for almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor.
And if you want to get really wild with it, try adding some chopped nuts or fresh fruits such as peaches or blueberries to the batter for a unique twist on this classic southern cake.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making recipes your own. So don’t be afraid to try out these substitutions and variations and see what works best for you and your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
This southern cake recipe is a showstopper on its own, but it’s also versatile enough to be paired with a variety of complementary flavors.
First of all, when it comes to serving sizes, it’s really up to you and your guests. Aunt Mary’s cake recipe can be easily transformed into a large sheet cake, a multi-layered masterpiece or even individual cupcakes.
If you’re hosting a formal event or simply want to impress your friends and family, consider pairing this cake with a classic scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for some added sweetness. This pairing will play well with the subtle vanilla flavors found in the cake itself.
On the other hand, for a more indulgent dessert experience, top your warm slice of Aunt Mary’s southern cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or sprinkle some toasted coconut shreds on top for an additional nutty flavor and crunch.
For an elevated brunch experience, try serving this cake accompanied by a homemade oatmeal cookie crumble and creamy cream cheese frosting to accentuate the warm oatmeal notes in the cake.
This cake is perfect for any occasion and pairs well with all sorts of different drinks – from cold milk to hot coffee, and even some herbal tea varieties. And if you’re feeling particularly festive, you could also serve it alongside Aunt Dot’s spicy pimento cheese or some freshly baked brownies from Mary’s kitchen.
At the end of the day, this southern-style cake recipe is perfect comfort food. It’s versatile and pairs well with so many different flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment around!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, when it comes to make-ahead, storing, and reheating Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe, there are a few things you need to know. Firstly, this cake is as heavenly fresh out of the oven as it is days later. So don’t fret if you find yourself with leftovers – they won’t go to waste!
To make things easy for you, the best way to store your cake is by wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keeping it at room temperature. If stored properly, this cake will last up to 5 days.
Reheating this delightful cake couldn’t be simpler either. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and pop your slices of cake in the oven for 10-15 minutes. That’s it! Just be careful not to overheat it and dry it out!
One neat trick is that you can bake one cake in advance and freeze it for later use – perfect for unexpected guests or potlucks! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re finally ready to enjoy your make-ahead cake, simply remove it from the freezer the night before and allow it to thaw at room temperature. If you’re pressed for time, you can also place the frozen cake in a preheated oven wrapped in foil until heated through.
In conclusion, this recipe allows for ample flexibility and convenience when it comes to make-ahead, storing, and reheating options. Whether you choose to serve this straight out of the oven or save some for later, Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe is a comfort food showstopper that never disappoints!
Tips for Perfect Results
Alright, y’all, now it’s time to get down to business! I wanna make sure Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe turns out perfectly, so here are some tips to help you get there.
First of all, let’s talk about the eggs. You want to make sure they’re at room temperature before you use them. If you forget to take them out of the fridge in advance, don’t worry – just put them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before cracking them open.
Secondly, when it comes to measuring flour (and any dry ingredients), use a spoon to sprinkle the flour into the measuring cup and then level it off with a butter knife. This will ensure that you don’t end up with too much flour in your cake, which can make it dense and dry.
Next up is the shortening. I recommend using the classic Southern brand – Crisco – for this recipe. Make sure it’s at room temperature and soft enough to cream with the sugar.
Now let’s talk about the buttermilk. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it curdles slightly.
When mixing your ingredients together, be sure not to overmix them! This can cause your cake to be tough and not rise properly. Mix just until everything is combined and no streaks or lumps remain.
Finally, I highly recommend using real vanilla extract rather than vanilla flavoring – it makes a HUGE difference in flavor! And if you want to get really fancy, try adding some toasted coconut flakes on top of the finished cake for an extra bit of texture and flavor.
I truly believe that following these tips will help you achieve baking perfection with Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe. So go ahead, put on some good music, and get to baking, y’all!
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks – Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe. This recipe is a classic and sure to bring warmth and comfort to any gathering or occasion. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a showstopper that will impress even the most discerning palates.
But it’s not just about the taste – this cake has a rich history rooted in Southern cooking and culture. It’s a beloved recipe passed down through generations, a symbol of family, tradition, and community. Making this cake is not just about the outcome; it’s about the experience of connecting with your past and creating lasting memories.
And the best part – this recipe is versatile! With substitutions and variations, you can make multiple types of cakes fit for any special occasion. Whether you’re looking to serve a pound cake, an oatmeal cake, or an apple cake, Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe can be modified accordingly.
So what are you waiting for? Head into your kitchen and start baking! I guarantee that this cake will make its way into regular rotation in your recipe book. And when friends and family ask for the recipe, share it with pride, knowing that you are carrying on a cherished tradition in true Southern fashion. Enjoy!
Aunt Mary’s Southern Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups flour
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 cup shortening
- 6 large eggs, seperate out yolks
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Cream together flour, shortening, 2 cups sugar, and then add yolks one at a time. Add buttermilk, salt, soda, and vanilla.
- In a seperate bowl beat egg whites until stiff and add 1 cup remaining sugar. Gently fold this into other batter.
- Pour into two greased and floured loaf pans and cook at 350 degrees for for one hour and 10 minutes or until done.
- I cut strawberries and toss with sugar to make their own syrup and pour these over cooled cake slices.