This Old-Fashioned Sugar Cake is baked in a cast iron skillet, offering a light, flavorful treat that doesn’t need any icing. The cast iron creates a beautifully golden crust, while the cake itself remains soft and tender, allowing the natural sweetness to shine through. Simple and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg whites
- Confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening and milk for about 3 minutes until the mixture resembles small curd cottage cheese. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the milk mixture, one-third at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition.
- Add the egg whites and beat just until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 10-inch cast iron skillet (avoid using spray).
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes before serving. Lightly dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes: This cake can also be baked in a 10-inch casserole dish or a 10-inch baking pan.