Imagine a cake so perfect, so deliciously nostalgic, that it transports you back to the romantic weddings of yesteryear. This Old Time Wedding Cake isn't just a dessert—it's a slice of culinary history that promises to make your taste buds dance with delight! Whether you're planning a vintage-themed celebration or simply craving a classic, show-stopping cake that will leave your guests speechless, this recipe is your golden ticket to baking glory.
Prep Time: 1 hrs
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 5 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Frosting of choice
Instructions
- Prepare your baking equipment by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even coating to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Begin and end with dry ingredients, mixing on low speed to prevent overmixing.
- Stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. The batter should be smooth and have a consistent texture.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few crumbs.
- Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, frost the cake layers with your chosen frosting. Traditional wedding cakes often use vanilla buttercream or white fondant.
- For a classic presentation, stack the layers and decorate as desired. Consider adding fresh flowers, piped frosting details, or elegant cake toppers.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving to allow frosting to set and flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Even Baking Trick: Use cake strips around your cake pans to help the cake bake evenly and prevent domed tops.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Frosting Technique: For a professional look, do a crumb coat first—a thin layer of frosting that seals in crumbs—before applying the final decorative layer.
- Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better when made a day in advance, allowing flavors to develop and settle.
- Storage Tip: Store the decorated cake in a cool place, and if possible, use a cake carrier to maintain its pristine appearance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 125mg
