Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey back in time? This George Washington Cake recipe isn’t just a delicious dessert; it's a delightful trip to 18th-century Philadelphia, offering a taste of history with every bite. This simple yet elegant cake is perfect for a special occasion, a cozy evening at home, or simply satisfying your craving for a truly delicious and easy dessert. It's one of those homemade cooking gems that's surprisingly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Ingredients:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to create a rich and flavorful cake.
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Let's get baking! These step-by-step instructions make this delicious dish surprisingly easy to prepare.
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking.
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Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This simple step ensures even leavening throughout the cake.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer works well, but a hand mixer will do the job just fine. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake.
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Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
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Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a neat presentation.
Frosting (Optional):
For a truly authentic touch, consider a simple butter cream frosting.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine all ingredients and beat until smooth and creamy.
Tips & Variations:
- Buttermilk Substitute: If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Spice it Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced cake.
- Fruit Additions: Fold in ½ cup of blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples for added flavor and texture. This makes a delightful variation perfect for springtime.
- Make it a Layer Cake: Pour the batter into two 9-inch round cake pans for a classic layer cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
This George Washington Cake recipe is a wonderful example of simple, delicious, and historical food recipes. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of classic baking and a perfect addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy!