Can a nameless list of ingredients create a perfect cake?

Food & Drink · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: This video explores a culinary mystery found on the back cover of a 1929 recipe book. With no title, instructions, or method provided, we test whether these handwritten ingredients can actually produce a successful cake.

The recipe consists of a simple list of ingredients found on the back of a 1929 cookbook, lacking both a name and a preparation method. To bring the mystery to life, the ingredients are creamed with butter and sugar, followed by eggs added one at a time. The dry components—flour, soda, and spices—are integrated by alternating them with applesauce. Finally, fruit and nuts are folded in before baking in an 8x8 or 9x9 pan for 35 to 40 minutes.

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