Cinnamon Cake

This Cinnamon Cake has an interesting look to it, but don't be dissuaded by its appearance. The cake comes out with a bumpy appearance that is caramelized, somewhat like a monkey bread. Despite its look, the cake is delicious. And, while it is baking, it looks like it might be an absolute disaster covered in a pool of butter, but it comes together and is not a soupy mess.

When I made this cake, I used a 9x9 square pan instead of two round pans. As a result, I think my cake was thicker than expected and took a few more minutes in the oven to bake. Whatever size pan used, the cake is easy to make and even easier to eat.

Cinnamon Cake 

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. butter
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup milk

Topping

• 1 stick butter
• 1 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• cinnamon

Make the cake by creaming the sugar, butter, and egg. Sift flour, salt, and baking powder together. Gradually add sifted ingredients and milk to batter, stirring constantly. Divide evenly into 2 ungreased round cake pans. On top, spread brown sugar, sprinkle very generously with cinnamon. Dot closely with butter. Preheat oven to 350. Bake for 25 minutes. Serve warm. Enjoy!

The Ruby Slipper

I am not sure why this cake has this name, but my research indicates that this cake recipe comes from a Jello advertisement from the 1970s. So it is no surprise that the recipe uses a box of jello. The cake itself is somewhat dense like a pound cake. The jello adds a nice flavor and color. This cake is a good everyday or special occasion cake.

This cake is so easy to make. When I made the cake, I used strawberry jello instead of raspberry jello because that is what I had on hand. Just about any flavor of jello could be used, but a red jello certain justifies the cake's name. Also, instead of just dusting the cake with powdered sugar, I used whipped cream to frost the cake.

The Ruby Slipper  

• 1 package yellow cake mix
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1 package Raspberry Jello

Combine cake mix, sour cream, water, and eggs in a bowl. Blend, then beat on medium speed for two minutes until creamy. Spoon one-third of batter into a well-greased and floured tube pan. Sprinkle with half of jello powder. Repeat layer. Spread remaining batter to cover. Bake at 350 for 45 to 50 minutes. Cool for five minutes. Remove from pan. Sprinkle with powder sugar. Enjoy!

One-Step Pound Cake

At the start of each new year, I often look to make a cake. This year's pound cake is an excellent choice. There are many recipes for pound cake, using flour, butter, sugar, and eggs as the base. This recipe adds in sour cream, which gives the cake a rich and balanced taste. Then flavor can be added, such as a citrus flavor for this cake, or nuts, chocolate, or anything you might want to try.

Mom's recipe calls for using grated lemon peel in the cake and lemon juice in the glaze. I used grated orange peel and orange juice. The result was delicious. I think lime could also be used. Whichever citrus flavor you use, the cake will be tasty.

One-Step Pound Cake 

• 2 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. grated lemon peel
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 eggs

Combine all ingredients. Beat for three minutes at medium speed. Pour into a greased and floured tube or bundt pan. Bake at 325 for 60-70 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Remove from pan. For the glaze, blend 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice. Spread glaze over the top of the cake. Enjoy!