Thrift Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 ½ cups flour
• 1 cup milk
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup shortening
• 3 tablespoons cocoa
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3 tablespoons coffee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

The book says “a hot oven”. The 400°F (200°C) in the steps is the modern equivalent, not the book's own figure.

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cream the shortening, then add the sugar and beaten eggs.

3. Mix well and add half of the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

4. Stir in the milk and the remaining dry ingredients.

5. Pour two-thirds of the batter into greased layer cake pans.

6. To the remaining batter, add 1 tablespoon of cocoa mixed with 1 tablespoon of boiling water for the middle layer.

7. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. For the filling, cream the butter, then gradually add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa, beating until light and fluffy.

9. Slowly add the vanilla and coffee until the mixture is spreadable.

10. Spread the filling between the layers and on top of the cake.