
A historical dessert from Recipes from here and there (1900). Can be baked as either a loaf cake or layer cake with different temperatures and times. When making as layers, spread with apricot jam and sprinkle with powdered sugar when cool.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
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Cream thoroughly one cup butter
Add gradually two cups sugar, creaming constantly
Add four eggs, one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition
Sift together three cups pastry flour, one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon mixed spices, or one teaspoon vanilla
Add to first mixture, with one cup sour cream
Bake in loaf in moderate oven (325°) one hour, or in layers in hot oven (400°) twenty-five to thirty minutes
When cool spread layers with apricot jam
Sprinkle with powdered sugar
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
The sour cream provides both fat and acidity, which tenderizes the crumb by weakening gluten development while keeping the cake moist. Creaming butter and sugar incorporates air bubbles that expand during baking, creating a light texture. The baking soda reacts with the acidic sour cream to produce carbon dioxide, giving additional lift. The gradual addition of eggs creates a stable emulsion that prevents the batter from separating.
The unfrosted cake can be baked up to 2 days ahead, cooled completely, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap in plastic and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling and finishing with powdered sugar.
Store the finished cake in an airtight container or cake keeper at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sour cream keeps it moist, but refrigeration can make it dry and dense. If your kitchen is very warm (above 75°F), refrigerate and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The unfrosted cake can be baked up to 2 days ahead, cooled completely, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, and stored at room temperature. For longer storage, wrap in plastic and then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before filling and finishing with powdered sugar.
Store the finished cake in an airtight container or cake keeper at room temperature for up to 3 days. The sour cream keeps it moist, but refrigeration can make it dry and dense. If your kitchen is very warm (above 75°F), refrigerate and bring to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.