Basic Cake Mix

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

Makes

9 servings

Updated: Sep. 30, 2022
After preparing this basic cake recipe, you'll have enough mix to make three moist cakes. Try the white cake for an after-dinner delight or the spice cake for a short-on-time snack. —Fredrica Hanson, Neosho, Missouri

Ingredients

  • 1-3/4 cups shortening
  • 3-1/2 cups sugar
  • 5-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 4-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR WHITE CAKE:
  • 3 egg whites
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Frosting of your choice
  • ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS FOR SPICE CAKE:
  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Frosting of your choice

Directions

  1. In a bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture until blended and crumbly. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Yield: about 11 cups (enough for three cakes).
  2. To prepare white cake: In a bowl, combine 3-1/2 cups cake mix, egg whites, milk and vanilla. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Yield: 9 servings.
  3. To prepare spice cake: In a bowl, combine 3-1/2 cups cake mix, eggs, milk and spices. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.