This “Cake Made with Syrup” recipe is a vintage classic that blends the sweetness of Karo Red Label Syrup with the warmth of grated orange rind and vanilla for a perfectly moist and flavorful cake. It uses a balanced combination of flour, baking powder, butter or shortening, and milk, producing a tender crumb ideal for celebrations or cozy family desserts. The light citrus undertones add brightness, while the syrup ensures richness without overpowering sweetness. A versatile recipe, it pairs beautifully with simple glazes, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups cake flour (Swans Down )
- 2 ¼ tsp baking powder (Calumet )
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup butter ( or shortening)
- 2 tsp orange rind (grated )
- 1 cup Karo Syrup (Red Label )
- 2 eggs (unbeaten)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Syrup
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter (or shortening) and Karo syrup until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs & Flavoring
- Add unbeaten eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in grated orange rind and vanilla.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
- Alternately add the dry mixture and milk to the batter, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until smooth.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
- Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Tips
- Add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
- Substitute half the syrup with molasses for a deeper, richer taste.
- Frost with orange buttercream to complement the grated orange rind.
- Bake as cupcakes; reduce baking time to 18 to 22 minutes.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for texture.
- Use butter for richer flavor; shortening will give a lighter crumb.
- Replace milk with buttermilk for extra tenderness.
- Dust with powdered sugar instead of frosting for a simple finish.
- Fold in raisins for a vintage-style fruit variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.2mg
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