How to Make Basic 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 Cake - A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you looking for a simple and versatile cake recipe that you can easily customize to suit your taste? Look no further than the Basic 1 — 2 — 3 — 4 Cake. This classic recipe has been a favorite in American kitchens for generations, and for good reason. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious and moist cake that's perfect for any occasion.

The name "1 — 2 — 3 — 4" refers to the simple ratio of ingredients used in this cake: 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cu...

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups white sugar, divided
  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 4 egg yolks, room temperature
  • 4 egg whites, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 cup milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 40 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
  • Servings: 12
  • Yield: 1 9-inch, 3-layer cake

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round pans.
  • Beat butter and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color.
  • In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks well, then add to butter mixture.
  • Sift together flour and baking powder. Add alternately with the milk to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well. Add vanilla.
  • Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry. Add 1 cup sugar to the egg whites. Fold into cake batter. Divide evenly into prepared pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Nutrition

    429 cal.

    • Total Fat: 18g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 111mg
    • Sodium: 220mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 63g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1g
    • Total Sugars: 35g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 87mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 98mg