Butter Half Cake

Butter Half Cake Recipe - Delicious and Creamy Cake for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Butter Half Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This moist and flavorful cake is made with simple ingredients and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

History

The origins of Butter Half Cake are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a beloved dessert for many families.

Ingredients

0.25 cup softened butter
0.25 cup butter-flavored crisco
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1.5 cup sifted cake flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 cup buttermilk, yogurt, or sour cream
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
0.25 tsp almond extract
0.13 tsp mace (optional)

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Butter and flour a bundt cake pan, a bread loaf pan, or a large brownie pan.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, Crisco, and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk and flavorings. Beat well after each addition until the batter is smooth and light.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it finish cooling on a rack.
Once the cake is cool, frost it with your favorite frosting or drizzle it with confectioner's icing and sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar.
Enjoy!

Variations

Add a cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the vanilla and almond extracts with other flavorings such as lemon or orange zest.
Drizzle the cake with a caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter, Crisco, and sugar until light and fluffy to ensure a light and tender cake.

- Sift the dry ingredients together to ensure a smooth and even batter.

- Be sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Butter Half Cake is delicious on its own, but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cake.

- Sifting the dry ingredients together ensures a smooth and even batter.

- Be sure not to overmix the batter to prevent a tough cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the Crisco with an equal amount of butter.

- If you don't have sour cream, you can use plain yogurt as a substitute.

- You can omit the almond extract if you prefer a more subtle flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Butter Half Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Butter Half Cake on a decorative cake stand or plate for a beautiful presentation. Dust the cake with powdered sugar or decorate with fresh berries for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Butter Half Cake pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. It also goes well with a glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream for a more indulgent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Butter Half Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for a few seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Butter Half Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Butter Half Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Butter Half Cake contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Butter Half Cake contains approximately 3 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Butter Half Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Butter Half Cake contains dairy (butter, sour cream, eggs) and wheat (cake flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Butter Half Cake is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a treat that can be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Butter Half Cake is a classic and delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and flavorful crumb, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I sifted through the yellowed index cards and faded newspaper clippings, one particular recipe caught my eye. It was for a dessert called Butter Half Cake.

I had never heard of Butter Half Cake before, but the name alone intrigued me. I could almost taste the rich, buttery flavor just from reading the recipe. I knew I had to give it a try.

The recipe was written in a delicate script, with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients that made my mouth water. It called for flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and a few other simple ingredients that I already had in my pantry. I set to work, preheating the oven and gathering the necessary items.

As I measured out the flour and sugar, I couldn't help but wonder where this recipe had come from. My grandmother had been a prolific cook, always experimenting with new dishes and flavors. I wondered if she had stumbled upon this recipe in a cookbook or if it had been passed down to her from a friend or relative.

I mixed the ingredients together, the batter coming together smoothly under my hands. The scent of butter and sugar filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation. I poured the batter into a greased cake pan and popped it into the oven, setting the timer and waiting anxiously for the cake to bake.

As the cake baked, I thought back to all the recipes my grandmother had taught me over the years. She had been a wonderful cook, always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with me. I remembered the hours we had spent together in the kitchen, laughing and talking as we cooked and baked together.

When the timer finally went off, I pulled the Butter Half Cake out of the oven and marveled at its golden-brown perfection. The cake was soft and moist, with a rich buttery flavor that melted on my tongue. It was unlike any dessert I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this recipe would become a family favorite.

I shared the Butter Half Cake with my family that evening, watching as they took their first bite and their eyes lit up in delight. They couldn't get enough of the rich, buttery flavor, and soon the entire cake had disappeared, devoured in minutes.

As I cleaned up the kitchen that night, I thought about the legacy of recipes that had been passed down to me from my grandmother. Each recipe held a story, a memory of a time and a place where food had brought us together. The Butter Half Cake was no different, a new addition to our family's culinary history.

I made the Butter Half Cake many times after that, each time perfecting the recipe and adding my own twist to it. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its delicious taste. It became a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, a dessert that brought joy and comfort to all who tried it.

And as I baked the Butter Half Cake, I felt my grandmother's presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and sharing in the joy of creating something delicious and memorable. The recipe may have been a mystery to me when I first found it, but now it was a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the love and passion that went into every dish I made.

I may never know where the recipe for Butter Half Cake came from, but I do know that it has brought joy and happiness to my family for generations. And for that, I am forever grateful.