1-2-3-4 Cake
Few cake recipes are as satisfying as a well-made 1-2-3-4 Cake. The star here is (240 g / 8.5 oz) butter, supported by a short list of everyday ingredients. It is naturally vegetarian, so it suits mixed tables without any substitutions. Scroll down for the ingredients, the step-by-step method, and answers to the questions we get asked most about it.
- Cook 20 min
- Total 20 min
- Serves 255
- Level Easy
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 g / 8.5 oz) butter
- 1 cup (240 ml / 8.1 oz) milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cup (450 g / 16 oz) white granulated sugar
- 3 cup (400 g / 14 oz) all-purpose flour
- 3 tsp Baking Powder
- 3 pinche Salt
- 4 Eggs
Method
- File:Oven.jpg|1. Preheat your oven. File:Creaming butter - step 1.JPG|2. Cream the butter and sugar together. File:Cracking an egg.JPG|3. Crack the eggs in, and beat them in too File:1-2-3-4 Cake after beating in eggs.JPG|After beating in the eggs, it looks like this File:Flour and milk.JPG|4. Now get your flour and milk File:Beating flour into cake mixture.JPG|5. Mix a little bit of flour in it. File:Beating milk into cake mixture.JPG|6. Then a little bit of milk. File:1-2-3-4 Cake mixture.JPG|Repeat 5 and 6 until done. By now the mixture will be very smooth. File:Cake mixture in tin.JPG|7. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured cake tin, then pop it in the oven File:Checking if cake is done.JPG|8. Checking if the cake is "done": put a sharp knife or skewer into the centre of the cake File:Dirty knife from cake.JPG|If the knife is dirty - the mixture is still wet - put it back in! (This was after about 15 minutes, it takes a lot longer) File:1-2-3-4 cake.JPG|Finally, it's done! Notice how brown the top is, due to the high sugar content
- Category:Recipes for cake Category:Featured recipes Category:Vegetarian recipes Category:Recipes using butter Category:Recipes using egg Category:Recipes for dessert Category:Recipes using baking powder
- ar:كعكة-1-2-3-4 Category:Recipes using white sugar Category:Recipes using all-purpose flour Category:Recipes using cow milk
Tips for the best 1-2-3-4 Cake
- Rest the finished dish for a few minutes before serving — it lets the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
- Let the egg come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- Preheat the oven fully before anything goes in — a cold start changes the texture.
Variations
- Swap the egg for silken tofu — keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness.
- Spicier version: add a pinch of chilli flakes or a sliced fresh chilli with the aromatics.
- Vegetable boost: stir in a handful of spinach, peas or diced peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving ideas
Dust with icing sugar just before serving and pair with coffee or tea.
Storage
Keeps in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Most versions freeze well for 2 months.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make 1-2-3-4 Cake ahead of time?
Yes. It actually improves after a few hours, so make it earlier in the day and reheat gently before serving.
How many people does this 1-2-3-4 Cake recipe serve?
As written it serves 255. The quantities scale up or down in a straight line, so double everything for 255×2.
What can I substitute for (240 g / 8.5 oz) butter?
Any ingredient with a similar texture and cooking time works; see the variations below for ideas. Keep quantities the same and adjust seasoning at the end.
Is 1-2-3-4 Cake vegetarian?
Yes — this version is vegetarian as written. Always check packaged ingredients if you have strict requirements.
Is this 1-2-3-4 Cake recipe medium to make?
It is rated medium: 8 ingredients and 3 steps. Follow the order and the tips above and it is very forgiving.
Adapted from Wikibooks Cookbook, CC BY-SA 4.0 — source
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