1 2 3 4 Cake
Delightfully simple yet irresistibly classic, the 1 2 3 4 Cake is a timeless dessert that gets its name from its perfectly balanced recipe of 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, and 4 eggs. This traditional Southern favorite boasts a tender crumb and a rich, buttery flavor that’s elevated with a hint of vanilla. Perfectly versatile, it can be baked as a layered cake or in a single rectangular pan, ready to be frosted and decorated for a special occasion or served plain alongside your afternoon coffee. With just 20 minutes of prep time, this recipe is an excellent go-to for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Whether you keep it simple or get creative with toppings, the 1 2 3 4 Cake is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 count large eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch rectangular pan.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frost and decorate as desired, or serve plain for a simple, classic treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4112 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 127.3 g | 163% | |
| Saturated Fat | 67.1 g | 335% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1021 mg | 340% | |
| Sodium | 2473 mg | 108% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 695.3 g | 253% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 413.6 g | ||
| Protein | 70.0 g | 140% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 33% | |
| Calcium | 486 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 20.7 mg | 115% | |
| Potassium | 1070 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
