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–+ servings
Crown Cake
Crown Cake is a nostalgic, airy layered cake, filled and frosted with whipped cream and fruit. Highlighting tropical flavors like crushed pineapple and cherries, it's a delicious fusion of traditional American baking with a fruity twist. This recipe is especially beloved for its light texture and its ability to absorb the moisture of fruit fillings, making every bite luscious and refreshing. It’s perfect for special occasions or just a sweet treat shared with loved ones.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling & Assembly 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1⅓ cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 6 egg whites
  • 1 cup pineapple (grated , or crushed canned pineapple)
  • ½ cup maraschino cherries
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream the Shortening

  • Cream 1 cup shortening with 2 cups sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together 4 cups flour, 4 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.

Step 3: Mix Batter

  • Add the dry ingredients alternately with 1⅓ cups milk and 1 tsp vanilla to the creamed mixture.

Step 4: Beat Egg Whites

  • Beat 6 egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the batter.

Step 5: Bake

  • Divide batter evenly into 3 greased layer pans.
  • Bake at 400°F for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Fill

  • Cool completely, then fill and top with whipped cream and desired fruit.

Step 7: Decorate

  • Sprinkle with pineapple, cherries, and raisins. Optional: thicken fruit juice with cornstarch to drizzle over top.

Tips

  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice.
  • Replace shortening with butter for richer flavor (will increase saturated fat).
  • Use fresh whipped cream between layers for an even lighter cake.
  • Mix chopped maraschino cherries into the filling for color.
  • Brush cake layers lightly with juice syrup to enhance moisture.
  • Add toasted coconut to the filling for tropical flair.
  • Substitute pears or peaches for the apple slices as noted on the card.
  • Frost with 7-minute icing to stay true to vintage style.
  • Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts in a 3-layer cake.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gSodium: 280mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.4mg
Keyword apple cake, cherries, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, layer cake, old-fashioned baking, Pineapple, pineapple cake, retro cake, vintage
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