Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting

Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting Recipe - Ingredients and Instructions

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 7 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting is a delightful and festive dessert that is perfect for any special occasion or holiday celebration. The light and fluffy cake paired with the sweet and creamy frosting is sure to be a hit with all of your guests.

History

This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family and is a beloved tradition during the holiday season. The combination of flavors and textures in this cake make it a standout dessert that is always a crowd pleaser.

Ingredients

Cake

2.75 cups sifted cake flour
2 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp salt
1.75 cups granulated sugar
1 cup shortening
0.75 cup milk
0.75 tsp orange extract
0.75 tsp almond extract
3 eggs
1 unbeaten egg yolk

Festive frosting

2 unbeaten egg whites
1.5 cups granulated sugar
5 tbsp water
1.5 tsp light corn syrup
0.5 tsp vanilla

How to prepare

Cake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Grease and lightly flour a tube pan.
Sift the flour before measuring.
Measure the dry ingredients into a sifter.
Stir the shortening in a bowl just to soften, then sift in the dry ingredients.
Add the milk and flavoring, and mix until all the flour is dampened.
Beat for about 2 minutes at low speed, then add the eggs and yolk and beat for 1 minute longer at low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl often.
Turn the batter into the pan, then bake at 375°F (191°C) for 1 hour, or until done.
Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then loosen it from the sides of the pan with a spatula and turn it right side up on a rack to cool before frosting.

Festive frosting

Combine the egg whites, sugar, water, and corn syrup in the top of a double boiler, beating with a whisk until thoroughly mixed.
Place the mixture over rapidly boiling water, beating constantly with a whisk, and cook for 7 minutes.
Remove from the boiling water, then add the flavoring and beat until thick enough to spread.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cake batter for added texture and flavor.
Use different extracts in the frosting for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sift the flour before measuring to ensure a light and fluffy cake.

- Use room temperature ingredients for the cake batter to ensure even mixing.

- Beating the eggs and yolk for the specified time is crucial for the texture of the cake.

- When making the frosting, be sure to beat constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of festive sprinkles for an extra special touch.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the cake batter and frosting thoroughly to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Use a double boiler to cook the frosting mixture evenly and prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of shortening in the cake batter for a richer flavor.

- Honey or maple syrup can be used as a substitute for corn syrup in the frosting.

Make Ahead Tips

The cake can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the cake with fresh fruit, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The frosting may need to be re-whipped before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and wheat.

Summary

Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting is a delicious dessert that is moderate in carbohydrates and fats, making it a suitable treat for special occasions.

Summary

Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting is a classic dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. The light and fluffy cake paired with the sweet and creamy frosting is sure to be a hit with all of your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a yellowed and tattered piece of paper that had been tucked away in my grandmother's recipe box for as long as I could remember. The title of the recipe read "Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting" and it was written in a flowing cursive script that was barely legible.

I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she told me that it had been passed down through the generations in our family. She explained that it was a cake that was traditionally made for special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays. The name "Merrie Companie Cake" came from the idea that this cake was meant to be shared with loved ones and enjoyed in the company of good friends and family.

As my grandmother pulled out the ingredients and began to explain the steps involved in making the cake, I could see the passion and love that she had for cooking. She told me stories of how she had learned to make the cake from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. Each generation had added their own twist to the recipe, making it truly unique to our family.

The first step in making the cake was to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. My grandmother explained that this was an important step, as it helped to incorporate air into the batter and create a light and tender cake. Next, she added in eggs one at a time, followed by flour, baking powder, and milk. The batter was then flavored with vanilla extract and a hint of almond extract, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor.

Once the batter was mixed together, my grandmother poured it into greased and floured cake pans and placed them in the oven to bake. As the cake baked, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. My grandmother explained that the cake was done when a toothpick inserted into the center came out clean, and she carefully removed the pans from the oven to cool.

While the cake cooled, my grandmother began to prepare the festive frosting that would adorn it. She whipped together butter, powdered sugar, and milk until the frosting was light and fluffy. She then added in a splash of rum extract, giving it a warm and spicy flavor that complemented the sweetness of the cake.

As my grandmother spread the frosting over the cooled cake layers, I could see the care and attention to detail that she put into her baking. She smoothed the frosting over the top and sides of the cake, creating a beautiful and festive finish. To add a touch of elegance, she sprinkled the top with chopped nuts and a dusting of powdered sugar.

When the cake was finally finished, my grandmother cut us each a slice and we sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy it together. The cake was moist and tender, with a rich and buttery flavor that melted in my mouth. The frosting was sweet and creamy, with a hint of rum that added a warm and comforting touch.

As I savored each bite of the Merrie Companie Cake with Festive Frosting, I felt a sense of connection to my family and our shared heritage. This recipe was more than just a dessert - it was a tradition that had been passed down through the generations, bringing joy and celebration to all who enjoyed it.

As I finished my slice of cake, I realized that this recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions. It was a piece of my family's history, a link to the past that connected me to my grandmother, my mother, and all the generations before them. And as I looked at my grandmother, her eyes sparkling with pride and love, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a part of our family for many years to come.