Paula Deen 1-2-3-4 Cake Recipe
Introduction
The Paula Deen 1-2-3-4 Cake is a classic Southern dessert that wins hearts with its rich, buttery flavor and foolproof simplicity. This iconic cake recipe shines as both a nostalgic treat and an elegant centerpiece for celebrations or Sunday dinners, delivering tender layers that pair beautifully with any frosting.
Why This 1-2-3-4 Cake Stands Out
With a name inspired by its easy-to-remember ingredient ratios, the 1-2-3-4 Cake is a timeless favorite. The combination of pantry staples creates a soft, moist crumb and a delicate vanilla flavor. It’s a crowd pleaser for birthdays, potlucks, and holidays—simple to prepare, stunning on the table, and perfect for customizing with your favorite fillings and frostings.
Baking the Perfect 1-2-3-4 Cake Layers
Achieving that signature fluffy texture starts with room temperature ingredients. Cream together softened butter and sugar for a fluffy base, then alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk. This method ensures even mixing and helps your cake rise beautifully. Be sure not to overmix—for the most tender crumb, stop as soon as the batter is smooth.
Frosting and Filling Ideas
The 1-2-3-4 Cake plays well with nearly any frosting: classic buttercream, silky chocolate, vibrant cream cheese, or sweetened whipped cream. For a Southern touch, try finishing with Paula Deen’s fluffy seven-minute icing or a rich pecan praline glaze. Fresh berries or lemon curd make delicious in-between layer fillings.
Serving Suggestions for Irresistible Paula Deen 1-2-3-4 Cake
Serve this cake at room temperature with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar. For gatherings, garnish with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for visual flair. Pair each slice with a cup of tea or fresh lemonade to balance its buttery richness.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields a tall, impressive two- or three-layer cake, perfect for 10–12 servings. Each slice is approximately 400–450 calories, depending on the chosen frosting and fillings. It’s a special occasion treat that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Paula Deen 1-2-3-4 Cake (Recap)
Effortless to make and undeniably delicious, the Paula Deen 1-2-3-4 Cake delivers classic Southern charm in every bite. Its simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing taste make it a must-have addition to any home baker’s repertoire.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two or three 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- With the mixer on low, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three portions, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the flour mixture.
- Add the vanilla extract and gently mix until the batter is just smooth (do not overmix).
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cakes to rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and fill as desired before slicing and serving.
Weekly Meal Planning
The Paula Deen 1-2-3-4 Cake is a wonderful make-ahead dessert for busy weeks, special occasions, or potluck planning. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan when you’ll bake it and generate a consolidated grocery list for all your weekly meals—no more duplicated ingredients or forgotten essentials!
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically calculates ingredient totals if you’re baking multiple cakes or doubling recipes
- Creates organized shopping lists by produce, dairy, bakery, and more
- Simplifies hosting—add this dessert to your weekly meal plan alongside mains and sides
- Helps reduce food waste by tallying overlapping ingredients across recipes
Pro tip: Schedule every recipe you plan to make this week for streamlined shopping and better-organized meal prep!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling and frosting)
