100-Year-Old Cake Recipe That Still Wins Hearts

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option while margarine is often less expensive.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

granulated sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index.

powdered sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: granulated sugar

Stevia is a no-calorie sweetener.

Grease two 8-inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a sifter, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, 1 and 1/4 cups of sugar, 1 tbsp of baking powder, and 1 tsp of salt. Sift into a mixing bowl.

Add 1/2 cup of soft unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix with an electric mixer until incorporated.

Gradually add 1 cup of milk and 1 tsp of vanilla extract, mixing on low speed for about 1 to 1 and 1/2 minutes.

Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing for 45 seconds to a minute after each addition until smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth out the tops.

Tap the pans lightly to settle the batter, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 to 20 minutes before loosening the sides and inverting onto a wire rack.

While the cakes cool, prepare the chocolate frosting by melting 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.

Add 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the melted butter and stir to combine, blooming the cocoa powder.

Transfer the cocoa mixture to a mixing bowl and add 1/2 tsp of salt.

Gradually mix in 2 to 3 cups of powdered sugar, starting with 2 cups, and then add 1/4 cup of room temperature milk until desired consistency is reached.

Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and mix well, adjusting with more powdered sugar if necessary.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens