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Aunt Mary's Southern Cake Recipe

Indulge in Aunt Mary's legendary Southern Loaf Cake! This moist and tender cake, baked in two loaf pans, is perfectly complemented by a homemade strawberry syrup. A classic recipe passed down through generations, this cake is sure to become a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions and stunning results make this the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 90 mins
Calories 604.8 kcal
Protein 16g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Aunt Mary's Southern Cake 86

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Aunt Mary's Southern Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup shortening
  • 4 large eggs, separated (4 yolks, 4 whites)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups sliced strawberries

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How to Make Aunt Mary's Southern Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) shortening and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 4 large egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup buttermilk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. In a clean bowl, beat 4 large egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar and beat until glossy.
  7. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until just combined.
  8. Pour batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
  9. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. While cakes cool, prepare the strawberry syrup: In a saucepan, combine 2 cups sliced strawberries and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, or until strawberries soften and release their juices. Strain the syrup, reserving the juice.
  12. Once cakes are completely cool, slice and drizzle generously with the strawberry syrup.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

246g

Fat

31g

Carbs

30g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Desserts The Americas American Southern Vegetarian Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Preparation Occasion Desserts Summer Cakes Dietary Low Sodium Seasonal Low In Something Brunch Presentation Served Cold 4 Hours Or Less