White Cake Layers - Master Cookbook Recipe # 219

Name: White Cake Layers - Master Cookbook Recipe # 219
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12-16
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature; 1/2 cup shortening; 1-3/4 cups granulated sugar; 6 large egg whites, room temperature; 3/4 tsp salt; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1-1/2 cups buttermilk; 2 tsp clear vanilla extract

This is the foundation for a perfect Southern layer cake. By using a combination of butter for flavor and shortening for that classic tender crumb, you get a cake that is both sturdy and light. Using egg whites and clear vanilla ensures the layers stay a beautiful, bright white, making it the ideal base for Mama's Fresh Coconut Cake, Master Cookbook Recipe # 218.

This is recipe #219 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 20 minCook time: 35 minTotal time: 55 min

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Ingredients

1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shortening
1-3/4 cups granulated sugar
6 large egg whites, room temperature
3/4 tsp salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups buttermilk
2 tsp clear vanilla extract

Instructions

Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour your cake pans.
Creaming: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and shortening. Add the sugar and egg whites, beating until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Leavening: Mix in the salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
Combine: Gradually add the flour (about 1/2 cup at a time) alternating with the buttermilk.
Final Mix: Stir in the clear vanilla extract. Beat the batter on low speed for 2 minutes to ensure everything is perfectly incorporated.
Pans: Pour the batter into your prepared pans.
Three Round Pans: Divide evenly.
Two Round Pans: Set aside 1 cup of batter for a small loaf or cupcake so the layers aren't too thick.
13x9x2 Sheet Pan: Pour all batter in.
Bake: For round pans, bake for 30 to 35 minutes. For a 13x9 pan, check after 40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Notes

Tammy's Tip: Using clear vanilla is the secret to keeping this cake snowy white! If you use regular brown vanilla extract, it will give the cake a slight off-white or cream tint.