Vanilla Ring Cake

Name: Vanilla Ring Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup shortening; 2 cups sugar; 4 eggs; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup buttermilk; DRIZZLE:; 1 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk

Yes, the amount is correct—you add 2 tablespoons of vanilla to the batter. A friend who shared this recipe years ago loved the taste of vanilla and wanted this cake to taste just as good. I like to use Mexican vanilla in this recipe.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

Ingredients

1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
DRIZZLE:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoons 2% milk

Directions

In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition.
Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
Combine the confectioners' sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve desired consistency; drizzle over cake.

Test Kitchen tips

Gently spoon flour into dry measuring cups and level off with a spatula. Remember to always measure liquid ingredients in liquid measuring cups placed at eye level on the counter top.

Oven temperature varies, it's a good idea to check the cake a few minutes before the time range stated in the recipe.

For success and ease, grease tube or fluted cake pans with shortening.

For best flavor, use Pure or Mexican vanilla extract.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 466 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 132mg sodium, 68g carbohydrate (44g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.

Originally published as Mexican Vanilla Pound Cake in Taste of Home April/May 2009

Reviews

My Review

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Average Rating:

tanyamickey

Mar 14, 2014

This cake doesn't have much flavor. What little flavor it does have just isn't my taste. Might be better with a chocolate or strawberry glaze.
Cam625

Jan 3, 2014

Maybe it was my oven- but I baked for 55 minutes and it was way too dry- taste was ok- but will bake 5 or 10 minutes less next time
lissaj81

Nov 24, 2013

This was very good. The only adjustment was that I used half butter flavored shortening and half regular. I didnt have buttermilk so I mixed a cup of milk with 1 TBSP of lemon juice let sit for 5 min before using it. It came out very light and fluffy.
beckihomecki

Apr 18, 2013

This cake is simple to make but definatly lacking in flavor. It is way too sweet and I even took out a quarter cup of the sugar. The batter mixed up so nice and fluffy and I was excited to see the results but was ultimately dissappointed. My kids who love everything I bake even said this wasn't their favorite. A simple strusel coffee cake is loads better. This cake is not worth the calories. Wont be making again.
TexasCookie

May 21, 2012

Surprisingly delicious cake. Even though the recipe explains extra vanilla extract, I admit I was a bit skeptical but I followed the instructions and it was great. Also it very easy to make.
kmc1952

Jan 23, 2012

This was easy to make and my family loved it...even my husband who isn't a sweet eater!! It will be a new favorite for us!!
KimberlyV65

Sep 21, 2011

Very good cake; a bit on the sweet side, but then again, it is a cake! I think this could also easily be made into a lemon ring cake by substituting lemon extract for the vanilla.
rjbyc

Jul 11, 2011

This cake was too dense. Didn't taste right without any salt to add depth of flavor.
Emily_B

Jun 16, 2011

The cake was delicious and very moist. Beating the shortening and sugar well created a fluffy cake good even w/o drizzle. Tasty w/ strawberries.
khcrivello

Jan 31, 2011

Cake was very dry and had little vanilla flavor. I'm planning on tweaking the recipe and trying again before I call it quits.