This recipe page features two classic cakes from the early 20th century: a simple "One Egg Cake" and a resourceful "Marshmallow Cake." The One Egg Cake is a humble, everyday dessert using pantry staples, ideal for modest households. The Marshmallow, likely dating back to World War I or the Great Depression, relies on minimal ingredients, omitting eggs and butter, to reflect the rationing conditions of its time. These cakes are not only delightful with tea or coffee, but they also stand as edible artifacts from a frugal, creative era in American home baking.
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 egg (well beaten)
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
Step 2: Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Egg
- Beat in the egg until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together flour and baking powder.
Step 5: Combine
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or top with jam or frosting if desired.
Tips
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract for more pronounced flavor.
- Fold in ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins for a heartier old-fashioned cake.
- Replace part of the milk with buttermilk and reduce baking powder slightly for a tangier crumb.
- Add lemon zest or orange zest for a brighter flavor.
- Bake in a loaf pan instead of a round pan for a tea-cake style dessert.
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a classic, simple finish.
- Frost with a thin buttercream or a vintage boiled icing for authenticity.
- Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream to modernize the presentation.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm, nostalgic spice notes.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 140mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 44IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 104mgIron: 1mg
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