Copycat Duncan Hines Boxed Cake Mix

This cake tastes like a boxed white cake mix only better, it has never failed me yet, it is a recipe that I use over and over again for the *perfect* white cake, and so easy to make too! really anything can be addded to this cake, tiny chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, add in some food colouring for a pastel coloured cake with matching frosting, this makes a wonderful birthday cake!--------- * NOTE* as one reviewer stated they omitted the salt, omitting the salt will change the texture of this cake completely, so please do *not* omit, using butter-flavor Crisco is acceptable but will alter the taste somewhat but not the texture ;-)

• Ready In: 40 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 1 (13x9-in) cake

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

Directions

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