Oh, this cake! It’s not just a cake, it’s pure comfort in every bite. This is Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe, and let me tell you, it’s the one I always go back to when I need a little bit of home. It’s been in our family forever, passed down with love and a few smudges of flour on the recipe card. It’s ridiculously easy, which is perfect for those days when you just want something sweet without a fuss. Trust me, this recipe is a keeper!
Why You’ll Love Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons why this cake is just the absolute best. First off, it’s ridiculously simple. Grandma wasn’t about complicated steps, and that’s exactly what this recipe gives you. It’s the kind of cake that makes you feel like a baking pro, even if you’re just starting out.
It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it plain, dust it with a little powdered sugar, or go all out with your favorite frosting. It’s always a hit, bringing that warm, fuzzy feeling of home and happy memories. It’s perfect for:
- Quick weeknight treats
- Potlucks and family gatherings
- When you just need a hug in cake form!
Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a connection to family, a taste of tradition, and pure, unadulterated deliciousness. You’ll be making it again and again, just like I do!
Simple Ingredients for Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe
One of the best things about Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe is that you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now! There are no fancy or hard-to-find items here. It’s all about good, honest ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll need things like butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and buttermilk. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s mostly measured out in simple “spoons” or cups, making it super straightforward. Just make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature – it really makes a difference in how everything mixes together!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
Crafting Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get baking! Making Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe is like following a comforting, familiar path. It’s all about taking your time and letting each step do its magic. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker; this recipe is super forgiving and guides you through beautifully.
Preparing Your Baking Pan and Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! You want to preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan. Give it a good greasing and then a dusting of flour. This little step is key to making sure your gorgeous cake slides right out later, no sticking!
Creaming the Base for Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe
Now for the magic start! In a big bowl, you’ll take your softened butter and the granulated sugar. Beat them together until they’re light and fluffy. Seriously, this is where the cake gets its lovely texture. You want it to look pale and airy, almost like whipped cream. It takes a minute or two, but it’s worth it!
Incorporating Wet Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, it’s time to add the eggs. Pop them in one at a time, beating well after each one. This helps everything blend smoothly. Then, stir in that little splash of vanilla extract. That pure vanilla scent just makes everything feel so cozy!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, you’ll want to give your dry ingredients a little whisk together. This means the flour, baking soda, and salt. Just a quick mix to make sure they’re all evenly distributed. This helps the baking soda and salt get into every part of the cake, so you don’t get any odd pockets of flavor.
The Alternating Method for Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe
This is Grandma’s secret for a perfect crumb! You’ll add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk in two parts. Always start and end with the dry ingredients. So, it’s dry, then buttermilk, then dry, then buttermilk, and finally the last bit of dry. Mix *just* until everything is combined. Seriously, don’t overmix here; that’s when cakes can get tough!
Baking and Cooling Your Cake
Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, into the preheated oven it goes! Bake it for about 30 to 35 minutes. The best way to tell if it’s done is to stick a wooden skewer or a toothpick right into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before you carefully flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Tips for Baking the Perfect Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe
Okay, so you’ve got the recipe and you’re ready to bake Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe. That’s fantastic! To make sure it turns out absolutely perfect every single time, just like Grandma used to make, there are a few little things to keep in mind. These aren’t complicated rules, just little tricks that make a big difference in the final cake. Following these tips will help you get that wonderfully tender crumb and delicious flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredient Temperature Matters
Seriously, don’t skip this! Having your butter, eggs, and buttermilk at room temperature is a game-changer. It helps everything emulsify (that’s a fancy word for mixing together smoothly!) much better. When ingredients are at the same temperature, they create a stable batter that bakes up evenly. Cold ingredients can make your butter seize up, leading to a lumpy batter and a denser cake.
Avoiding Overmixing
This is probably the most important tip for any cake, really! Once you start adding the flour, you need to mix gently and only until things are *just* combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your cake tough and chewy instead of light and tender. Think of it as giving the batter a gentle hug, not a wrestling match!
Testing for Doneness
You don’t need a thermometer for this cake! Grandma’s method is the best. When the baking time is almost up, gently insert a wooden skewer or a toothpick into the very center of the cake. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, then your cake is perfectly done. A few moist crumbs are totally fine and actually what you want for a moist cake, but no gooey bits!
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Cake
This cake is so wonderfully versatile, it’s great just as it is! The aroma alone is enough to make anyone happy. But of course, you can always dress it up a bit if you’re feeling fancy or just want to add a little extra something. It’s the perfect base for so many delicious toppings!
Serving Suggestions
Honestly, Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe is delightful served plain. The simple vanilla flavor is just perfection. But if you want to add a little flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar is lovely. Or, go for your favorite buttercream frosting, a dollop of whipped cream, or some fresh berries. It’s really up to you and what you’re craving!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Once your cake has cooled completely, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it moist and delicious. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you need to reheat a slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It warms it up just enough and brings back that fresh-baked goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions about Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe
Got questions about Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe? I totally get it! Baking should be fun and easy, and sometimes you just need a quick answer. Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this simple vanilla cake. I hope these help you bake your best cake yet!
Can I use a different type of flour?
While all-purpose flour is what Grandma always used and what works perfectly, you can try using a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend if you need to. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute. Other types of flour might change the texture and density quite a bit, so I’d stick with all-purpose or a good gluten-free blend for this simple cake.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Oh, no buttermilk? Don’t worry, it happens! You can easily make your own substitute. Just take 1 cup of regular milk and stir in 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it looks a little curdled. That’s your buttermilk!
How long does Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe last?
This cake is best enjoyed fresh, but it does keep pretty well! If you store it properly in an airtight container at room temperature, it should stay nice and moist for about 3 to 4 days. Sometimes I even find it tastes even better the next day!
Nutritional Estimate Disclaimer
Just a friendly heads-up! The nutritional information for Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake Recipe is an estimate, calculated using standard ingredient databases. Keep in mind that the actual values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, how you measure them, and any variations you might make to the recipe. Happy baking!
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Grandma’s 12 Spoon Cake: Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious cake recipe passed down from Grandma.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter.
- This cake can be served plain or with your favorite frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Grandma's 12 Spoon Cake Recipe, easy cake, simple cake, vanilla cake, buttermilk cake, homemade cake