
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Care should be taken that the oven is just right for this cake, as it browns very easily. To be baked in jelly-cake tins in layers, with filling put between when done.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Mix ingredients together following any soft cake recipe method
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Bake in jelly-cake tins in layers
Put filling between layers when done
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The high ratio of butter to liquid in this recipe creates a tender, fine-crumbed cake that's sturdy enough to stack without collapsing. Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air that expands during baking, while the eggs provide structure through protein coagulation. The baking powder ensures even rise across thin layers, and the relatively low moisture content (compared to modern cakes) produces layers that won't weep or slide when filled.
The unfilled cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead, cooled completely, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature. The filling should be added no more than 4-6 hours before serving to prevent the layers from becoming soggy. For longer storage, freeze unfilled layers wrapped in plastic then foil for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before filling.
Store the filled cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days if using a dairy-based filling. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best texture. The cake can be frozen whole for up to 1 month if well-wrapped, though the filling texture may change slightly upon thawing.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The unfilled cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead, cooled completely, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature. The filling should be added no more than 4-6 hours before serving to prevent the layers from becoming soggy. For longer storage, freeze unfilled layers wrapped in plastic then foil for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before filling.
Store the filled cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days if using a dairy-based filling. Bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving for best texture. The cake can be frozen whole for up to 1 month if well-wrapped, though the filling texture may change slightly upon thawing.