Copycat Duncan Hines Boxed Cake Mix - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup Crisco shortening (white only)
2 large eggs (or extra large)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Preparation

Set oven to 350 degrees.
Set oven rack to second-lowest position.
Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, and line bottom of pan with parchment paper.
In a medium or large bowl, with an electric mixer, cream the sugar and shortening until no granules remain (about 4 minutes).
Add in eggs and almond extract (if using); beat very well for 5 minutes on high speed.
In a small bowl sift together flour, baking soda and salt.
Add to the creamed mixture along with the buttermilk; mix well until blended (about 2-3 minutes).
Transfer to a prepared baking pan.
Bake on second-lowest oven rack for 30-35 minutes (check for doneness after 25 minutes, this cake bakes fast!).