Jeanne's Style Birthday Cake Recipe

How to Make Jeanne's Style Birthday Cake

1. **Shortbread Base:**
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Cut 1/2 cup (1 stick) of shortening into 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Pat the mixture firmly and evenly into an 8x8 inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
6. Let cool completely.
7. **Cake:**
8. Cream together 1/2 cup (1 stick) shortening, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
9. Beat in 2 large eggs one at a time.
10. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
11. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1/2 cup milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
12. Pour batter into a greased and floured 8x8 inch baking pan.
13. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
14. Let cool completely.
15. **Frosting:**
16. In a small saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup milk and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
17. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth (about 2-3 minutes).
18. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
19. In a large bowl, beat together 1/2 cup (1 stick) softened butter, 1/4 cup shortening, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
20. Gradually add the cooled flour mixture and beat until smooth.
21. Add 3 cups icing sugar and a pinch of salt, beating until the frosting is very light and fluffy (at least 15 minutes).
22. **Assembly:**
23. Place the cooled shortbread base on a serving plate.
24. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the base.
25. Place the cooled cake on top of the frosting.
26. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
27. Garnish the sides with shaved semi-sweet chocolate (optional).