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Ice Water Cake is popular in Plain communities. It shows up on the table at family gatherings as a shortcake or as cupcakes iced with whipped topping. Sometimes e versions of this ice water cake recipe is used for a wedding cake, with a butter-cream icing.
Ice Water White Cake is a moist, dense, yet airy cake best described as a cross between a pound cake and an angel food cake. Even for people who might not be drawn to cake are drawn to this one. This cake gets eaten within the day, and many Amish enjoy it without frosting. The name is a little weird because few people would use hot water to mix up a cake! But this is a very old cake recipe, over a.hundred years, which may explain how the cake got its unusual name- I do not know of any cake that specifically requests warm water when mixing, but this cake is certain to request that only cold water be used. Itmay be that, in the old days the water used for cooking had gotten lukewarm from sitting in a bucket, and was not typically drawn fresh from the well
📜Tips For Making Ice Water Cake
- Use ice water. Of course, this is the key ingredient that gives ice water cake its signature moistness. The ice water will help to keep the proteins in the flour from coagulating, which will result in a light and airy cake.
- Sift the flour. This will help to remove any lumps and ensure that the cake is evenly textured. I have to admit, though, that this is one tip I rarely follow. I remember when I was a child, my Mom and I sifting flour, but I have not sifted flour in probably 35 or 45 years.
- Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing will make the cake tough. Mix the batter until just combined, then gently fold in the whipped egg whites.
- Bake the cake in a preheated oven. This will help the cake to cook evenly.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This will help the frosting to adhere to the cake and prevent it from melting.
🙋 Ice Water Cake FAQ
You can use all-purpose, but you'll get the best results using cake flour. Cake flour will make a lighter, fluffier cake.
Yes, a teaspoon or two will add good flavor. The historically frugal Amish might skip that step, but you can add it.
You can add food coloring to the batter, this cake displays food coloring color really well. You can use organic or soy-based food coloring to keep it more natural!
🎂 More Amish Cake Recipes
🖨️ Full Recipe
Ice Water Cake
Ingredients
- 4 egg whites
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 ½ cups flour
Instructions
- Beat egg whites with baking powder until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, cream sugar with shortening.
- Add cold water, vanilla, flour, and pinch ofsalt.Fold in egg whites.
- Pour batter into 9" round cake pans that are greased and floured.
- Bake at 350 for 35 to 40 minutes. Frost with your favorite frosting when cool.
Teresa
I made this cake this evening and it was crazy delicious. Such a simple recipe, but great flavor and texture. I thought I had done something wrong as it seemed to curdle initially, but after I added the flour, it smoothed out. The egg whites lightened it, and it had a top similar to angel food cake after it baked. I served it with strawberries and whipped cream, like a shortcake, similar to what Rosanna does. Thanks so much to her for sharing this very old family favorite. I will be making it all summer!