
Yummy Cake is a classic mid-century American dessert that combines a tender homemade cake base with a rich butterscotch or chocolate sauce poured over the top before baking. The sauce seeps into the cake as it bakes, creating a gooey, self-saucing pudding-like texture. This nostalgic treat was a favorite at potlucks and Sunday dinners, prized for its simplicity and comforting sweetness. The recipe’s handwritten notes and dual sauce options reflect the creativity and adaptability of home bakers in the mid-1900s.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup shortening
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 egg
Optional Topping:
- 3 tbsp nuts ( or coconut)
For Butterscotch Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
- 3 tbsp water
For Chocolate Sauce (alternative):
- 1 oz chocolate
- ½ cup water
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¼ tbsp butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8×10-inch glass pie plate or baking dish.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the milk and mix until smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Mix
- Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan
- Spread the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Make Butterscotch or Chocolate Sauce
- For butterscotch: Combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then pour over the cake batter.
- For chocolate: Melt chocolate with water and sugar. Add butter and vanilla; pour over batter.
Step 8: Add Optional Toppings
- Sprinkle nuts or coconut over the top if desired.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Serve
- Let cool slightly. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Tips
- Substitute butter for shortening for a richer flavor.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Swap brown sugar with maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 420IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.2mg
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