Handwritten recipe card for Two Egg Cake
by: salvagedrecipes

Classic Two Egg Vanilla Cake

Two Egg Cake
The “Two Egg Cake” is a timeless classic from mid-20th-century American home baking, known for its simplicity and reliability. Made with only two eggs, shortening, sugar, and milk, it was an economical yet indulgent treat that could be whipped up quickly for guests or Sunday dinners. This cake’s tender crumb and buttery sweetness make it ideal for frosting or enjoying plain with coffee. It’s a hallmark of vintage comfort baking, balancing nostalgia with timeless flavor, a perfect base for home bakers to adapt with modern ingredients or seasonal fruits.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 260 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup shortening
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Brown Sugar Sauce

  • 1 ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 ½ cup baking powder

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Shortening and Sugar

  • Cream shortening and sugar together until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs

  • Add egg yolks and beat well.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

  • Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with milk to the creamed mixture. Beat until smooth.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

  • Stir in vanilla extract.
  • Pour batter into a greased 11 x 7 x 1½ pan.

Step 6: Pour Sauce

  • Combine brown sugar, butter and boiling water and pour it over the batter.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for about 40–45 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Tips

  • Separate eggs carefully so whites whip properly for best volume
  • “Moderate oven” usually means about 350°F (175°C)
  • Cake flour can be substituted for a lighter crumb
  • Add grated lemon zest or almond extract for flavor variation
  • Fold egg whites gently to avoid deflating batter
  • Bake in two small pans for a layer cake or one larger pan for a single layer
  • Frost with chocolate, vanilla, or boiled icing for authentic vintage style
  • Line pans with parchment for easy release
  • Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3.5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 0.6gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 120IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1.1mg
Keyword birthday cake, family recipe, from scratch, homemade cake, layered cake, old fashioned, simple dessert, vintage
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